Manila
The tropical storm ‘K-May’ has worsened the situation in the Philippines for the last one week amidst the torrential rains and landslides. This storm has proved to be another major setback for the Philippines struggling with natural disasters. In such a situation, the role of government and international cooperation becomes important so that millions of people can get safe and necessary help.
Due to this dangerous storm, at least 25 people have lost their lives so far and about 2.78 lakh people have had to leave their homes and go towards safe places. The storm passed through the northern hilly areas of the country on Friday.
The storm came at such a speed
This storm named ‘K-Me’ hit a speed of 120 km per hour in Agno town of Pangasinan province on Thursday night. The speed of its gusts reached 165 km per hour. By Friday morning, its strength decreased slightly and it showed moving towards the northeast direction at a speed of 100 km per hour.
Monsoon was also done and terrible
The storm made the already running seasonal rains more intense in the country. Due to continuous rains for the last one week, people have lost their lives due to floods, trees fall, landslides and electric shocks in many areas. Eight people are currently missing. However, there is no confirmation of the direct death from the storm ‘Co-Me’ yet.
School closed, class suspended in 35 provinces
The government has ordered the closure of school for the third consecutive day in the capital Manila on Friday. Classes have been postponed in 35 provinces of Luzon’s main northern region. At least 77 cities and towns have been declared an ’emergency’, so that relief funds can be found quickly and do not increase the prices of essential items such as rice prices.
Displacement of 278,000 people, army deployed
According to the Government Disaster Management Agency, more than 2.78 lakh people have left their homes due to floods and storms. Most of them had to take shelter in emergency shelters or relatives’ homes. About 3,000 houses have been damaged so far. Army, police, coast guards, firefighters and local volunteers have been deployed for relief and rescue.
President’s warning and promise of American help
President Ferdinand Marcos Junior visited relief camps after returning from the White House visit and distributed food to the people. He said in an emergency meeting that now such disasters will be more uncertain due to climate change. The US government has promised to help its military aircraft to take relief material and food to far-flung areas.
