In the Philippines, 500,000 people are evacuated because of the typhoon “Rai”. More than 200 people lose their lives. There is chaos on site.
Manila – It was “Rai”, the strongest typhoon of the year, which chopped up houses like axes, destroyed fields and crops and claimed at least 200 lives. The hurricane known locally as “Odette” left a trail of devastation on the island nation. The eastern and western provinces in the center of the island state were particularly hard hit.
Pope Francis expressed his condolences in a message on the short message service Twitter on Sunday evening. Aid organizations around the world such as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies or Caritas in the Philippines have appealed for donations. President Dutertes central government pledged financial aid amounting to two billion pesos (about 35.6 million euros).
Philippines: 500,000 people have to be evacuated before typhoon
Typhoon “Odette”, known worldwide as “Rai”, hit the country on Thursday (December 16, 2021) and swept over the island kingdom at speeds of up to 270 kilometers per hour. Nearly 500,000 residents had to flee from the storm or be brought to safety. Large parts of the island’s infrastructure, houses, telephone networks and power poles were destroyed or damaged.
In 2021, “Rai” was the 15th tropical storm to hit the Philippines. In November 2013, typhoon “Haiyan”, one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded, swept across the Philippines. At that time, at least 6,300 people died in the storm. Many millions lost their homes, including their possessions, incomes and livelihoods.
Typhoons in the Philippines: Scientists warn of stronger storms due to climate change
“Rai” hit the Philippines at the end of the typhoon season. Usually the most violent cyclones develop between July and October.
Scientists have long warned that typhoons will increase in strength as a result of man-made climate change. The Southeast Asian island kingdom is hit by an average of 20 typhoons each year. (lz with epd / dpa / AFP)
Headline list image: © Jay Labra / dpa
