Frequency of Evacuations Due to Typhoons in the Philippines: A Comprehensive Guide

The Philippines, often nicknamed the 'Typhoon Capital of the World,' experiences frequent tropical cyclones and typhoons throughout the year. As of December 3, 2023, Typhoon Tisoy has caused widespread destruction and many evacuations in the Bicol Region. This article provides an overview of the frequency and scale of typhoon evacuations in the Philippines, along with the local response mechanisms and climate change factors.

Understanding Typhoons and Evacuations

To comprehend the frequency of evacuations, it's essential to understand the classifications of typhoons and the evacuation procedures in place. The Philippines uses a Tropical Cyclone Intensity Scale established by PAGASA, which categorizes typhoons based on their sustained winds.

Intensity Scale of Typhoons in the Philippines

The classification of typhoons includes:

Supertyphoon (STY): Winds 220 km/h or 119 knots and above Typhoon (TY): Winds 118–220 km/h or 64–119 knots Severe Tropical Storm (STS): Winds 89–117 km/h or 48–63 knots Tropical Storm (TS): Winds 62–88 km/h or 34–47 knots Tropical Depression (TD): Winds ≤61 km/h or ≤33 knots

These classifications determine whether an area needs to evacuate based on the potential for severe damage and flooding.

Recent Evacuations and Typhoon Tisoy

According to the latest news, over 43,000 people have been evacuated as Typhoon Kammuri, nicknamed Tisoy, made landfall in the Bicol Region on December 2, 2023. This includes the shutdown of Manila International Airport due to high winds and heavy rainfall.

Typically, evacuations are carried out by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Philippine Red Cross, marking out specific areas requiring mass evacuation. In severe cases, schools and other public services are closed to ensure safety.

Historical and Modern Context

The Philippines sees an average of 20 tropical cyclones annually, with about 10 becoming typhoons. Of these, some are particularly destructive and lead to large-scale evacuations and loss of life. The deadliest typhoon on record in the Philippines is Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), which caused over 6,300 fatalities in 2013.

Recent data shows that the number of destructive typhoons has increased, though it is too early to determine if this is a long-term trend attributed to climate change. Extreme weather events, including typhoons, pose ongoing threats to the population and infrastructure.

Climate Change and Typhoon Patterns

Climate change is exacerbating typhoon frequency and intensity in the Philippines. This raises the likelihood of more frequent and severe typhoons, leading to the need for more proactive and robust evacuation procedures.

According to Anthony Lucero, a senior weather specialist from PAGASA, the number of destructive typhoons has increased recently, indicating a potential shift in typhoon patterns. This underscores the importance of continued surveillance and better preparation for future typhoons.

Conclusion

The Philippines has a well-established system for dealing with typhoons, including evacuation procedures and public signal warnings. These efforts aim to protect the population from the severe impacts of typhoons while mitigating potential loss of life and property damage.

Given the increasing frequency and intensity of typhoons, the article emphasizes the need for continued vigilance, preparedness, and proactive measures to ensure the safety of the Filipino people.

Key Takeaways:

The Philippines experiences an average of 20 tropical cyclones annually, with 10 becoming typhoons. Evacuations are carried out by the NDRRMC and the Philippine Red Cross when there is massive destruction and flooding. Climate change is likely to worsen the frequency and intensity of typhoons, necessitating more frequent and robust evacuation procedures.