This year, the Philippines was struck with 21 typhoons, Typhoon Vamco (locally known as Ulysses) being the last. In only 4 weeks, 6 typhoons hit the Philippines. These typhoons resulted in 67 deaths, 12 people missing, and the demolition of 26,000 houses. Typhoon Vamco, the most recent, arrived in Patnanungan, Quezon on November 11, 2020. It devastated communities that experienced the effects of Super Typhoon Goni (locally known as Rolly) 10 days prior. Typhoon Goni, with heavy rain and winds up to 310 km (195 mi) per hour, took the homes of more than 240,000, especially impacting those who live in makeshift shelters near the coast. Along with the difficult weather, Typhoon Goni also generated storm surges, flash floods, electrical failures, and blown-off roofs. Typhoon Vamco had a force equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane, winds of 150 km (90 mi) per hour, 2 to 3 meters of storm surge, and produced flooding. It caused 6 deaths, 10 missing people, and more than 180,000 evacuations.
The Philippines is one of the most typhoon-prone countries, with around 8 to 9 tropical storms crossing the nation each year. The height of the typhoon season is from July through October when almost 70% of them develop. Scientists blame climate change for the hurricanes’ and typhoons’ increasing power and strength. Effects from these typhoons are expected to by the Philippines’ quickly increasing population, specifically along the coast, in addition to the surrounding environmental degradation.
The constant storms and COVID-19 crisis created an immense problem for the Philippines, which now has 456, 562 cases of the virus and 8,875 deaths. The Philippines utilizes quarantine tents for those evacuating, addressing the problems of those with COVID that need to be safe from storms. More than 25,000 police officers were sent to aid in the disaster. Relief goods, large machinery, and personal protective equipment were transported to areas that needed them, however, the pandemic drained funds for disaster emergencies. Ports and airports closed down and schools, gyms, and government-run evacuation centers were used for covid-secure crisis centers.
Research Coordinator - Jezreel Gaad
Editor - Ariana Kavoossi
Illustrator - Shaina Rahman
Graphics - Jhem Picache
Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-54759868 http://bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/climate/tropical-cyclone-information
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