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Tag: haiyan

  • Super Typhoon Neoguri Heads for Japan

    Super Typhoon Neoguri is expected to reach Okinawa early Tuesday, in what has been described as a “once in decades” storm.

    The Japan Meteorological Agency has measured sustained winds of 123 miles per hour, with gusts so far hitting 168 miles per hour. The storm has generated waves 46 feet high.

    Meteorological Agency official Satoshi Ebihara warned, “there is a risk of unprecedentedly strong winds and torrential rains. Please refrain from nonessential outdoor activities.” The agency added special warnings for flood tides.

    Neoguri passed by the Philippines, a country still reeling from Typhoon Haiyan which killed thousands last year. Neoguri passed 298 miles east of the northernmost province of Batanes.

    Japan was also hit in 2013 by Typhoon Wipha, which killed 17 when it made its way to Tokyo.

    Forecasts project the typhoon moving toward Kyushu island and then across Japan’s main island of Honshu. It is expected to lose some power over land, but heavy winds and rains could cause landslides and other damage to infrastructure.

    A storm surge in excess of 20 feet is expected over the southern Ryukyu Islands, and the United States’ Kadena Air Force Base, which is situated on the westernmost part of Okinawa, will likely see the strongest and most destructive winds.

    Super Typhoon Neoguri as it passes by the Philippines:

    Neoguri as seen from the International Space Station:

    The devastating impact of Neoguri will gradually taper off across Okinawa Tuesday night. Though, the storm is expected to continue a trajectory across the northern Ryukyu Islands and southern Kyushu on Wednesday.

    Image via Youtube

  • Typhoon Yolanda Puts Philippines In Danger

    Typhoon Yolanda, which is heading towards the Philippines, is being internationally referred to as Haiyan, and it looks like it’s going to cause a lot of damage. It has been projected that the storm will reach “super typhoon” level over the course of the next 48 to 60 hours as it makes its way to the Philippines. The storm is expected to arrive on Thursday and make its way to the nation’s central area by Friday afternoon. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center, based in Hawaii, stated in a weather forecast, “Due to very favorable environmental conditions, rapid intensification is forecast over the next 48 hours with a peak intensity of 130 knots (241 kilometers per hour).”

    The Philippines has taken precautions in order to prepare for the upcoming super storm. The president, Benigno S. C. Aquino III, has asked Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin to encourage management councils and risk reduction councils across the country to carry out precautions in the face of the storm. Rescue boats, medical supplies, and emergency relief have been posted in high-risk areas in an attempt to combat problems before they can spin out of control.

    Classes have already been cancelled in some areas, and suspension of work was ordered yesterday in Mindanao by governor Sol F. Matugas, who went on an urged her citizens to pray, noting that the government would be offering a mass at the convention center on Wednesday. Evacuation plans and emergency services have also been issued in Mindao and other neighboring areas as they prepare for the storm’s onslaught. Emergency sirens and bells have been ringing in many of the province’s towns and villages.

    Herminio B. Coloma, Jr., the Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary, stated at a press meeting, “All concerned government agencies are on heightened alert to ensure swift response to affected residents, especially those in low-lying and flood-prone areas.” This writer, in a similar vein, wishes wellness and safety to the Philippine citizens as they prepare and evacuate in the face of such a terrifying natural disaster.

    [Image courtesy of WikiMedia Commons.]