Super Typhoon Man-yi sparks chaos in Philippines, over 110,000 evacuated

Super Typhoon Man-yi, locally known as Pepito, struck the Philippines late Saturday, leaving over 110,000 displaced and inflicting widespread devastation. The storm, which injured at least two people, has affected more than 850,000 nationwide as powerful winds and torrential rains wreaked havoc across communities.

“The situation is dire. Many families have lost their homes and are struggling to find shelter,” said Ricardo Jalad, Executive Director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). “Our priority now is ensuring the safety of evacuees and addressing immediate needs like food and medical assistance.”

Flight operations came to a standstill, with 75 domestic and 18 international flights canceled, disrupting travel across the country. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines confirmed cancellations from major carriers, including Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific.

Catanduanes island, where the typhoon made landfall, bore the brunt of the storm with winds of 185 kilometers (115 miles) per hour recorded late Saturday. “It’s as if a bomb went off,” said local official Maria Torres. “Houses are flattened, power lines are down, and we’re racing against time to restore order.”

The government has mobilized over 36,000 personnel from the army, air force, navy, and coast guard to assist in rescue and relief efforts. However, conditions remain challenging in some areas. “Floodwaters are still high in low-lying communities, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach those stranded,” Jalad added.

Despite the destruction, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration predicts the typhoon will weaken later on Sunday. Still, officials remain cautious as recovery efforts are expected to take weeks, if not months.

“This is just the beginning of a long journey,” said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a televised address. “We call on all Filipinos to unite and help rebuild our communities.”

With more storms expected during the typhoon season, experts warn of the increasing vulnerability of the nation’s infrastructure to extreme weather. Jalad emphasized, “Investing in disaster resilience is no longer an option—it’s a necessity.”

The focus now shifts to providing aid to those affected as authorities assess the full extent of the damage.