DEVASTATING IMPACT OF TYPHOON GAEMI IN THE PHILIPPINES

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: Typhoon Gaemi intensified the seasonal monsoon as it passed through the northern Philippines, bringing relentless rain and causing severe flooding and deadly landslides.

EXPLANATION:

• The heavy rainfall drenched the densely populated capital, Manila, and surrounding areas, turning streets into rivers and prompting widespread evacuations.
• In Manila, the downpours resulted in severe flooding, with streets submerged in thigh-deep water.
• Residents, clutching flimsy umbrellas, waded through the murky waters or used small boats and shopping trolleys to move around.
• Rescuers were deployed across the city to evacuate people from low-lying homes, which were particularly vulnerable to the flooding.
• A resident described the extent of the disturbance, noting that water levels reached the second floor of her house.
• A restaurant employee reported being unable to work due to the high floodwaters.

State of Calamity and Immediate Measures

• The government declared a state of calamity for Manila, unlocking funds for relief efforts.
• This declaration followed warnings from the state weather forecaster about “serious flooding” in some areas.
• In response, government offices were shut, classes were suspended, over 100 domestic and international flights were canceled, and tens of thousands of customers lost power.
• Some shopping malls and churches opened their doors to provide temporary shelter for those affected by the flooding.

Widespread Impact

• A disaster official in suburban Manila reported that rescuers were deployed all over the city due to the overwhelming number of people asking for help.
• The heavy rain, which fell at a rate of more than 200 millimeters (nearly eight inches) in 24 hours, caught many by surprise.
• Despite predictions, the rain poured suddenly and intensely, leading to an ongoing search and rescue operation.

Landslides and Casualties

• The typhoon caused deadly landslides in several provinces.
• In Batangas, south of Manila, a pregnant woman and three children lost their lives.
• In Pampanga, north of the capital, a woman and her five-year-old child were killed.
• Three major roads were blocked by landslides in the mountainous Benguet province.
• The death toll from heavy rains over the past two weeks has risen to at least 14, with tens of thousands of people taking refuge in evacuation centers.

Presidential Response and Relief Efforts

• President ordered disaster response officials to ensure sufficient stockpiles of food for the hardest-hit areas, recognizing the critical situation faced by many residents.
• Hard-scrabble neighborhoods near Manila Bay were particularly affected, with most streets underwater and more than 2,000 people forced to flee their homes.

Typical Monsoon Season and Typhoon Activity

• Senior weather specialist explained that the peak of the rainy season in the Philippines typically occurs in July and August.
• The presence of Typhoon Gaemi in the eastern waters of the Philippines enhanced the southwest monsoon, leading to the heavy rainfall.
• More rain is expected, exacerbating the already dire conditions.

Frequency of Typhoons in the Philippines

• The Philippines is hit by approximately 20 major storms and typhoons each year, which cause significant damage to homes and infrastructure and result in numerous casualties.
• The recurring nature of these weather events underscores the importance of robust disaster preparedness and response strategies.

Typhoon Gaemi

• Typhoon Gaemi, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Carina, is a significant tropical cyclone that formed on July 19, 2024, in the Philippine Sea.
• It has been categorized as a Category 4-equivalent typhoon, with maximum sustained winds reaching 230 km/h (145 mph) and a minimum central pressure of 919 hPa.
• Gaemi originated as a tropical disturbance near Palau and intensified rapidly due to favorable conditions in the Philippine Sea.
• The typhoon severely affected the Philippines, leading to 16+ fatalities and over 200 injuries.
• It caused significant agricultural losses estimated at ₱79 million (approximately $1.35 million).
• The storm triggered widespread flash floods, particularly in regions like Caraga, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas, prompting a state of calamity in Metro Manila.

SOURCE: https://phys.org/news/2024-07-streets-rivers-typhoon-gaemi-philippines.html