Bloomberg's latest storm report said that Typhoon Yinxing (locally known as Marce) is expected to bring more than 200 mm of rain to Cagayan province, Philippines from November 7. The area has been heavily flooded due to heavy rain from recent storms.
Luzon, the main island of the Philippines, is still grappling with the immediate aftermath of last month’s Tropical Storm Trami (known locally as Kristine). Tropical Storm Trami killed more than 100 people and caused 6.2 billion pesos ($106.3 million) in damage to the Philippine agricultural sector – the biggest loss since Typhoon Goni in 2020.
In addition to Typhoon Tra Mi, Typhoon Krathon (locally known as Julian) and Typhoon Kong-rey (locally known as Leon) also brought heavy rains to the northern Philippines in October as the storm moved offshore before making landfall in Taiwan (China).
Of these storms, Tra Mi caused the most damage to rice in the Philippines, causing more than 4 billion pesos ($68.5 million) in damage. The widespread crop damage threatens to impact food inflation and lead to more imports.
The Philippine Department of Agriculture forecasts that nearly 1.1 million hectares of rice and corn could be affected by the latest typhoon Yinxing.
The storm bulletin at 5 p.m. on November 5 from the Philippine weather agency PAGASA said that the center of storm Yinxing was 480 kilometers east of Echague, Isabela, Philippines. The storm was moving northwest at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour, with sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour near the center of the storm and gusts of up to 160 kilometers per hour.
The latest PAGASA forecast predicts that Typhoon Yinxing will move mainly west-northwest until November 6 before slowing down and changing direction. The forecast track will see Typhoon Yinxing 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.
The Philippines has ordered evacuations, stockpiled food and put troops on standby for Typhoon Yinxing as it heads toward northeastern towns and could make landfall this week, Reuters reported.
Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro said local authorities had urged residents in remote areas to evacuate in advance, as rescuers may not be able to reach them when Typhoon Yinxing hits. 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 about 20 typhoons hit the Philippines each year, bringing heavy rains, strong winds and landslides.
