The Philippines had not yet recovered from the devastation of the earthquake when the threat of Tropical Storm Matmo intensified. The meteorological department has issued an alert for low-lying areas, including Luzon, and warned against sea travel.
Philippines: A recent severe earthquake caused widespread devastation in the Philippines. The country had not yet recovered from this disaster when another threat began to loom. Tropical Storm Matmo is moving towards the Philippines, and weather agencies have issued an alert. Recently, Typhoon Ragasa also caused significant destruction in the Philippines and several parts of Asia.
Increased Threat from Tropical Storm Matmo
The Hong Kong Observatory reported that on Thursday morning, winds due to Matmo reached speeds of up to 65 kilometers per hour. The storm is moving west-northwest at a speed of 22 kilometers per hour, and its impact is expected to be felt in Luzon, the most densely populated region of the Philippines. This comes at a time when the central part of the country is still grappling with the damage from the earthquake, which claimed dozens of lives.
Meteorological Department Issues Warning
According to the Philippine meteorological agency, the storm could reach Southern Isabela province or Northern Aurora province by Friday. Following this, it is likely to cross Northern Luzon. The agency has issued a moderate risk warning for several low-lying areas over the next 36 hours. It also stated that sea travel could be extremely dangerous during this period, and all types of vessels should avoid venturing out to sea for now.
Storm Also Expected to Head Towards China
The Hong Kong Observatory has estimated that after impacting the Philippines, Matmo will enter the South China Sea. Here, it is expected to strengthen further and could develop into a severe typhoon. It is likely to bring b winds and heavy rainfall to Hong Kong by the weekend. By Sunday, there is a risk of it making landfall in the coastal areas of China's Guangdong province, a major economic hub of the country. Following this, the storm will move northwest, passing through the Guangxi region towards Yunnan province, where it will gradually weaken.
Philippines Grappling with Successive Disasters
The Philippines is once again in the throes of natural disasters. On one hand, people are enduring the devastation from the earthquake and the grief of losing loved ones, while on the other, the impending storm threat is further compounding their difficulties. Relief and rescue teams are already deployed in earthquake-affected areas, and preparations to address the incoming storm are now being intensified.
