Typhoon causes seven fatalities and forces thousands to evacuate in the Philippines

Typhoon Ewiniar Leaves at Least Seven Dead in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — After lingering over the Philippine islands for several days, Typhoon Ewiniar has finally moved away, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The typhoon, locally known as Aghon, resulted in the deaths of at least seven people, with most fatalities attributed to floods or toppled trees.

The densely populated capital, Manila, was spared from a direct hit as the typhoon shifted northeastward away from the archipelago. However, the hard-hit province of Quezon suffered the brunt of the storm, with six villagers drowning in floodwaters and others succumbing to falling trees.

Flash floods overwhelmed many villages, with some areas in Quezon province’s capital city submerged in up to eight feet of water. The damage caused by fierce winds and torrential rains led to the displacement of thousands of residents, prompting Governor Angelina Tan to oversee the distribution of aid to affected communities.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reported that over 26,700 people were impacted by the typhoon, leading to the closure of three airports and 29 seaports. As a result, more than 4,800 passengers and cargo helpers were left stranded, highlighting the disruptive impact of the natural disaster.

The Philippines, known for being one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, experiences around 20 typhoons and storms annually. The memory of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, which claimed over 7,300 lives and displaced millions, serves as a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.