By The South Asia Times

MANILA - The Philippines is reeling from the impact of Super Typhoon Man-yi, which made landfall late Saturday, leaving a trail of destruction, displacing thousands, and disrupting travel across the Southeast Asian nation. Heavy rains and fierce winds have uprooted trees, toppled power lines, and damaged infrastructure, prompting a massive emergency response effort.

So far, two people have been reported injured, while over 111,000 individuals have been evacuated to emergency shelters, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). In total, more than 850,000 people have been affected by the typhoon, known locally as Pepito, as it tore through communities across the archipelago.

The evacuees are currently housed in temporary shelters, where authorities are coordinating relief efforts, including food, water, and medical aid distribution.

Impact on Travel and Infrastructure

The typhoon’s ferocity has severely disrupted transportation. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines confirmed the cancellation of 75 domestic and 18 international flights, including operations by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, for Sunday and Monday.

Road travel has also been hindered, with several major highways rendered impassable due to fallen debris and flooding. Maritime operations in affected areas have been suspended, leaving many stranded at ports.

Typhoon’s Strength and Path

Super Typhoon Man-yi, which struck the sparsely populated Catanduanes island, made landfall with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (115 miles per hour). Although it is expected to weaken as it continues its westward path, it has already caused widespread damage in its wake.

The storm uprooted trees, ripped corrugated roofing from houses, and brought down power lines, leaving many communities without electricity. In several regions, strong winds were accompanied by torrential rains, triggering flash floods and landslides.

Emergency Response Efforts

The Philippine government has mobilized a large-scale emergency response, deploying over 36,000 personnel from the military, navy, air force, and coastguard. Rescue teams are conducting search-and-recovery missions, clearing blocked roads, and delivering aid to affected areas.

Despite these efforts, officials warn that access to remote and hard-hit areas remains challenging due to ongoing severe weather and damaged infrastructure.

Preparedness Measures and Warnings

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued warnings for areas still in the typhoon's path, advising residents in low-lying and coastal regions to remain on high alert for potential flooding and storm surges.

While the typhoon is forecast to weaken later on Sunday as it moves over land, the government is urging caution, emphasizing that the residual effects of the storm could exacerbate risks.

Global Attention on the Storm-Weary Philippines

The Philippines, situated in the Pacific Typhoon Belt, experiences approximately 20 typhoons annually, making it one of the most storm-prone countries in the world. Super Typhoon Man-yi arrives amid an already active typhoon season, testing the resilience of communities and disaster response systems.

The frequency and intensity of storms have drawn increasing concern about climate change, as scientists warn that warming oceans and atmospheric conditions could result in more devastating tropical cyclones in the region.

As Super Typhoon Man-yi begins to weaken, recovery efforts are expected to accelerate. However, the scale of displacement and damage underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Philippines in dealing with extreme weather events.

For the thousands who have lost their homes and livelihoods, the journey toward recovery will require coordinated efforts from the government, humanitarian agencies, and international partners. Meanwhile, the typhoon serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced climate resilience and preparedness in vulnerable nations like the Philippines.

The Typhoon Man-yi also expected to China and other countries in the region