Philippines evacuates thousands in anticipation of typhoon Toraji

In less than a month, this land has suffered the devastation of three storms, causing tens of thousands of households to lose their homes and livelihoods.

Since early morning on November 11, Philippine authorities have evacuated people in 2,500 villages.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also personally inspected the heavily affected areas on November 10, directing the provision of food and necessities to the people.

He decided not to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit Week in Peru to prioritize directing domestic disaster relief and recovery efforts.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric and Geophysical Center, Typhoon Toraji - with sustained winds of 130 km/h and gusts of up to 180 km/h - is currently about 100 km east of Casiguran town in Aurora province.

The storm is forecast to move northwest quickly across Luzon Island, causing widespread heavy rain. It is likely to weaken as it passes over a mountain range before entering the South China Sea.

Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla said the decision to evacuate was made because there was not much time left to move people to safety. "We understand that many people do not want to leave their homes, but safety must come first," he said.

Meanwhile, mountainous, valley and plain areas in Luzon, which were already severely affected by previous rains, have become particularly vulnerable to flash floods and landslides.

In just the past few weeks, a series of three storms have caused severe damage in this part of the Philippines: more than 160 people have been killed, thousands of homes and acres of farmland have been destroyed.

With more rain falling in 24 hours than the average rainfall of 1-2 months, the lives of more than 9 million people here were seriously affected, hundreds of thousands of people had to live temporarily in emergency relief centers.

In the face of the crisis, the Philippines has received support from Southeast Asian countries, especially Singapore, along with the United States to transport food, water and essential supplies to the heavily affected provinces.

Its geographical location in an area prone to severe typhoons and active volcanoes makes the Philippines one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world.

In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan - one of the world's most powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded - left more than 7,300 people dead or missing, destroying thousands of villages and boats in the central Philippines.