Tens of thousands of residents across the central Philippines are evacuating coastal areas as Typhoon Kalmaegi approaches, with authorities moving swiftly to prevent a repeat of the devastating death toll from Super Typhoon Haiyan a decade ago.
The typhoon is making its way towards Leyte Island, packing sustained winds of 75 miles per hour (120 km/h) and gusts up to 93 mph (150 km/h). Forecasters warn of potential storm surges as high as 10 feet (3 meters) in vulnerable areas.
Evacuations are underway in Palo and Tanauan, two cities on Leyte Island that bore the brunt of deadly storm surges from Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. That catastrophic event killed over 6,000 people.
“Local governments have implemented mandatory evacuations, including in Guiuan city, where the typhoon is expected to make landfall,” said Randy Nigart, a Civil Defense officer. Thousands of residents on nearby Samar Island were also moved to safer ground starting Sunday.
In Dinagat Islands province, located south of Leyte, between 10,000 and 15,000 people have already been relocated. Governor Nilo Demerey stated, “We conducted preventive evacuation over the past two days while we still have time.”
Typhoon Kalmaegi marks the 20th tropical cyclone to impact the Philippines this year, a figure considered average for the archipelagic nation. The state weather bureau anticipates another three to five storms before the end of December.
Scientists have issued warnings that tropical cyclones are intensifying globally due to human-induced climate change. However, Charmaine Varilla, a state weather expert, noted that a higher number of cyclones can also be linked to La Niña, a natural climate pattern characterized by cooler Pacific Ocean surface temperatures.
The Philippines experienced two major storms just last September. One of these, Super Typhoon Ragasa, caused significant damage and killed 14 people after hitting Taiwan.