Super Typhoon Man-Yi Strikes Philippines, Causing Devastation

Why in the news?

Super Typhoon Man-Yi made landfall in Luzon’s Bicol region, prompting evacuations of over 650,000 people due to severe winds, heavy rains, and extensive damage to crops and infrastructure.

Super Typhoon Man-Yi Strikes Philippines, Causing Devastation

Devastating Impact on Luzon:

  • Super Typhoon Man-Yi, locally known as Pepito, made landfall in Catanduanes, Bicol region, Luzon, with wind speeds of 195 km/h.
  • The storm caused life-threatening storm surges, torrential rains, and severe winds.
  • Over 650,000 people from coastal villages and flood-prone areas were evacuated to safety.
  • Crops and infrastructure have been significantly damaged, prompting provinces to declare states of calamity.

Tropical Cyclones: Overview and Recent Developments

  • Definition: Cyclones formed between Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer, driven by oceanic heat and atmospheric forces.
  • Characteristics: Form over warm oceans; calm low-pressure centre; seasonal; move east to west; classified based on wind speed by IMD.
  • Typhoon Yagi: Intensified by warm South China Sea waters; peaked at 260 kmph, impacting Myanmar with floods.
  • Climate Change Impact: Rising temperatures fuel stronger cyclones, causing heavier rainfall and longer land duration.
  • Operation Sadbhav: India’s HADR mission aiding Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam after Typhoon Yagi floods, aligned with Act East Policy.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times