In response to the approaching Typhoon Mawar, Philippine officials have initiated the evacuation of thousands of villagers, closed schools and offices, and implemented a no-sail ban.

This action comes after the typhoon recently affected Guam, a U.S. territory. With maximum sustained winds of 155 kph (96 mph) and gusts up to 190 kph (118 mph), the typhoon is not projected to make a direct hit on the northern mountainous region.

Current forecasts indicate that the typhoon will change course by mid-week, heading northeast towards Taiwan or southern Japan, the Associated Press reported.

Authorities have issued warnings regarding hazardous tidal surges, flash floods, and landslides as the typhoon passes through Cagayan and the northernmost province of Batanes from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Strong winds have already impacted eastern villages in Cagayan, resulting in the collapse of an old, unoccupied warehouse at a wharf and prompting additional villagers to seek refuge in evacuation centers.

Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro from the Office of Civil Defense reported that nearly 5,000 individuals have already sought shelter in Cagayan, Batanes, and other provinces.

He anticipates that this number will increase due to ongoing precautionary evacuations taking place in regions susceptible to flooding and landslides.

Written by staff