Philippines on High Alert: Bracing for Super Typhoon Usagi

The Philippines is evacuating northeastern towns as Super Typhoon Usagi approaches, marking the fifth typhoon in a month. Over 24,000 people in Cagayan province are being evacuated. High winds and heavy rain are expected. Another storm, Man-yi, looms, potentially hitting the central region by Saturday.

Authorities in the Philippines are urging swift evacuations across northeastern towns as Super Typhoon Usagi closes in. This marks the fifth typhoon to hit the storm-battered nation within a month, with a sixth storm anticipated to follow closely.

Over 24,000 residents of Cagayan province have been evacuated ahead of Usagi's forecasted landfall. Rueli Rapsing, head of Cagayan's disaster relief office, warned of potential river swells due to heavy rains. The province faces sustained heavy rainfall and gusty winds reaching up to 100 kph, preparing for possible power outages.

The looming threat of yet another storm, Man-yi, set to arrive by Saturday, prompted the transport ministry to advise against non-essential travel in central provinces. Historically, the Philippines experiences about 20 tropical storms annually, making disaster readiness imperative.

(With inputs from agencies.)