By Weston Kelly
As of November 12, 2024, four tropical storms inhabit the Pacific Ocean from Guam to Vietnam, posing a major threat to the Phillippines. The rare occurrence of four simultaneous named storms has only happened a handful of times—most recently seven years ago. Most likely increasing in frequency due to climate change, the weather events in the Asian seas have ravaged the Philippine coasts this year.
Already in place, recovery efforts have accelerated the spending of the Philippine government. The incoming blows from hurricanes and typhoons will have a large impact on both the economy and infrastructure of the island nation. Millions have moved into emergency shelters to outlast the never-ending tempests. Inhabitants of Cagayan expressed that “schools, homes, and livelihoods” were shattered. Around 200 casualties have been reported in the wake of the storms.
Wreaking havoc, Typhoon Yinxing, Typhoon Toraji, Tropical Storm Usagi, and Tropical Storm Man-Yi sit close to the Philippines mainland. Yinxing struck recently with the force of a category four hurricane; Toraji, with the force of a category one. Usagi creeps closer with every passing day, expected to hit the coast within two days with Man-Yi following close behind. However, experts remain unsure whether or not the typhoons will connect with land or just cause rain and winds. The constant gales have left residents with “typhoon fatigue.” The ailment stems from the intense stress and long-lasting pressure of hurricanes and causes many to develop mental illness. Tragically, climate change will only increase the frequency and power of tropical storms, leading to worse scenarios than this.
Resources to help:
https://www.allhandsandhearts.org/programs/philippines-typhoon-relief/
https://ifrc.org/emergency/philippines-severe-tropical-storm-kristine-0
