Typhoon Bualoi recently struck the Philippines. It brought fresh misery to a nation used to powerful storms. Its relentless winds and heavy rains forced hundreds of thousands from their homes. Tragically, at least 10 lives were lost, adding to a grim season.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, known as PAGASA, reported Bualoi made landfall. This happened on Friday at 11:30 AM in Mansalay, a town in Oriental Mindoro province. The storm then tracked westward, moving at 35 kilometers per hour. Its eye lingered over Occidental Mindoro province for some time, unleashing its full fury.
The storm’s path brought extreme conditions to several areas. Romblon, Albay, and the entire Bicol region felt Bualoi’s full wrath. Masbate province took a direct hit, suffering particularly severe damage. Many travelers found themselves stuck at various ports. They could not move as the storm raged. Ferries and boats had to halt operations for safety.
This wasn’t just a single storm. The Office of Civil Defense, known as OCD, said over 430,000 people moved to safer places. They evacuated across the country before Bualoi hit. This shows how seriously authorities take these threats. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, or NDRRMC, explained a wider impact. Over 303,000 families have been affected. This means more than 1.2 million people. They suffered from a series of events. This includes the ongoing southwest monsoon and three typhoons. Bualoi and Ragasa were among them.
Bualoi has held onto its strength. It is still classified as a strong tropical storm. Forecasters expect it to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday afternoon. However, experts warn that the danger isn’t over just because the storm moves away. Heavy rains will likely continue, bringing the risk of more flooding and dangerous landslides. Communities must stay alert and prepared for these lingering threats.
Source : AP