The province of Catanduanes in the Philippines was left without power after a typhoon caused extensive damage to trees and electricity posts. Disaster-response teams were assessing the damage to houses, in addition to those impacted by previous storms. Villagers were in need of tin roofs, construction materials, and food, as many were still recovering from past storms.
Almost half of the island province’s population of 80,000 were sheltering in evacuation centers. Catanduanes officials threatened vulnerable villagers with arrest if they did not evacuate to safer grounds. More than 750,000 people sought refuge in emergency shelters due to the recent storms in the region. The series of storms and typhoons left over 160 people dead, affected 9 million people, and caused extensive damage to communities, infrastructure, and farmlands.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned officials to prepare for the worst-case scenario as the typhoon approached. Several airports were temporarily shut, and ferry services were suspended due to rough seas. The United States, along with other countries, provided aid to help address the overwhelming needs of the disaster-stricken region.
The Philippines is prone to disasters, experiencing about 20 typhoons and storms each year, as well as earthquakes and active volcanoes. The recent series of storms have highlighted the vulnerability of the country to natural disasters and the need for support and resources to help communities recover and rebuild.
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