The latest storm news from Bloomberg said that Typhoon Yinxing (local name is Marce) is expected to bring more than 200mm of rain to Cagayan province, Philippines from November 7. This area is still heavily flooded due to heavy rain from recent storms.
Luzon, the main island of the Philippines, is still struggling with the direct consequences of Typhoon Trami (local name Kristine) last month. Typhoon Trami killed more than 100 people and caused 6.2 billion pesos ($106.3 million) in damage to the Philippine agricultural sector - the largest damage since Typhoon Goni in 2020.
In addition to Typhoon Trami, Typhoon Krathon (local name Julian) and Typhoon Kong-rey (local name Leon) also brought heavy rain to the northern Philippines in October as the storm moved offshore before making landfall in Taiwan (China).
Of these storms, Trami caused the most damage to rice in the Philippines, causing more than 4 billion pesos ($68.5 million). The widespread crop destruction threatens to impact food inflation and lead to more imports.
The Philippine Ministry of Agriculture forecasts that nearly 1.1 million hectares of rice and corn could be affected by the latest typhoon Yinxing.
The storm information at 5:00 p.m. on November 5 from the Philippine weather agency PAGASA said that the center of Typhoon Yinxing is 480 km east of Echague, Isabela, Philippines. The storm is moving northwest at a speed of 25 km/h, with sustained winds of 130 km/h near the center and gusts of up to 160 km/h.
The latest storm forecast from PAGASA states that Typhoon Yinxing will move mainly west-northwest until November 6 before slowing down and changing direction. According to the forecast track, Typhoon Yinxing will make landfall or approach the Babuyan Islands or the northern part of mainland Cagayan in the afternoon or evening of November 7. Typhoon Yinxing will continue to strengthen and may reach its peak intensity before making landfall in the Babuyan Islands or Cagayan.
Reuters said the Philippines has ordered evacuations, food reserves and put troops on standby to respond to Typhoon Yinxing as the storm is moving towards northeastern towns and could make landfall this week.
Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro said local authorities have urged residents in remote areas to evacuate first, as rescue forces may not be able to reach as Typhoon Yinxing intensifies. Food is being stockpiled, troops are on standby to assist in rescue efforts and dams are releasing water ahead of schedule to prevent flooding.
Philippine officials say about 24 million people could be directly affected by Typhoon Yinxing.
An average of 20 typhoons hit the Philippines each year, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and landslides.
