Typhoon Pepito is heading towards the Philippines, forcing hundreds to leave their homes. On Friday, authorities began evacuations in Catanduanes, the first area expected to be hit by the storm on Saturday. Heavy rains and strong winds are predicted for Metro Manila starting Sunday, according to Pagasa, the weather agency.
Evacuations are necessary because many houses aren’t strong enough to withstand the storm. Families are seeking safety with neighbors who have sturdier homes. Just days earlier, Typhoon Ofel caused flash floods in northern Luzon, trapping people on rooftops and killing many livestock.
Authorities managed to rescue people before the worst of the floodwaters hit, but the damage was severe. In some areas, residents dug through mud and debris, trying to save cattle and other animals. A damaged bridge has isolated a town, making rescue efforts even harder.
Typhoon Pepito is already packing winds up to 150 kilometers per hour as it approaches. After recent storms destroyed over 200,000 homes and forced 700,000 people to find shelter, the situation remains critical. Many families still lack basic necessities, and farmland has been devastated, threatening food supplies.
The weather service warns that more storms could come because of La Niña, a weather pattern causing heavy rain in the Philippines. With nearly 20 major storms hitting the country each year, this intense season has stretched rescue efforts to the limit.
