Hanoi (VNA) – Philippine authorities on November 7 announced the evacuation of thousands of people from coastal communities ahead of Typhoon Yinxing, just weeks after two other storms caused heavy casualties.
The national weather agency said with sustained winds of up to 175km/h, Yinxing is expected to make landfall in the northern Philippines late on November 7 or early on November 8.
The national disaster agency said Yinxing is the third storm to threaten the Philippines in less than a month after Storm Trami and Super Typhoon Kong-rey killed 158 people, with most of the deaths caused by Trami.
The coast guard, military, air force, and police are now on alert. Ferry services between islands, cargo shipping, and domestic flights have been suspended in northern provinces.
A rescue official in the northernmost province of Cagayan said at least 17,000 people from coastal areas in this province had moved to temporary shelters on November 6 to avoid the risk of flooding caused by heavy rains. The province has now exhausted its emergency funds and is requesting additional support from the national disaster council.
In the nearby province of Ilocos Norte, rescue workers are on standby to support local police, firefighters, and soldiers. Local authorities are also closely monitoring the possibility of landslides, floods, and swollen rivers, along with high tides and big waves along the coast.
In the mountainous province of Apayao, nearly 500 people have been evacuated.
Many areas in the north have suspended classes while government offices are on high alert to respond quickly to the typhoon./.
