Mass Evacuations Ordered As Typhoon Usagi Approaches [Video]

The fifth major storm in just three weeks struck the northeastern Philippines on Thursday, triggering extensive evacuations and prompting the United Nations to request emergency funding to support the government’s relief efforts. Rural communities, already severely impacted, are facing escalating challenges while they contend with the relentless series of storms.

Typhoon Usagi, locally named Ofel, struck the coastal town of Baggao in Cagayan province at the northern tip of Luzon, bringing sustained winds of up to 109 mph and gusts reaching 149 mph. Luzon, the Philippines’ most densely populated agricultural region, faced intense wind and rain while the typhoon moved northwestward. Usagi is expected to continue its path overnight, heading toward southern Taiwan.

How Is the International Community Helping Disaster Survivors?

The U.N. Humanitarian Country Team in the Philippines announced a fundraising effort of $32.9 million to support the government’s relief operations for approximately 210,000 individuals in urgent need of assistance and protection.