Philippines Shuts Schools, Flights As Typhoon Co-May Hits Luzon

People in the Philippines are facing tough days as strong rains and winds hit the country. On Thursday, the government closed schools and cancelled many flights because of Typhoon Co-May. This typhoon has brought heavy rains to the northern island called Luzon, making life difficult for thousands of families.

How Did The Typhoon Become So Strong?

Typhoon Co-May was first called a tropical storm. But overnight, it became stronger and turned into a typhoon. The weather office said that it had maximum winds of 120 kilometres per hour, which is about 75 miles per hour. Experts said the typhoon was going to hit the west coast by Friday morning. It would either make landfall in La Union province or Ilocos Sur province, both of which are in the northern part of Luzon.

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Why Are People So Worried?

Before Typhoon Co-May arrived, there were already many days of heavy rains caused by the monsoon. Since July 18, these rains have killed at least 19 people in different parts of the Philippines. Another 11 people are still missing. Many villages and towns have faced floods, and people are scared that the typhoon will bring even more damage.

What Did The President Say?

President Ferdinand Marcos spoke to his cabinet and the people on Thursday. He said that this type of weather was becoming the “new normal” because of climate change. He explained that Filipinos needed to accept that there would be more strong rains, typhoons, and floods in the coming years.

“This is not an extraordinary situation anymore,” he said during a televised meeting. “This will be our lives no matter what we do.”

President Marcos also said that the country must plan better to face natural disasters in the future. He added, “We have to understand that the climate has changed, the rain patterns have changed.” He mentioned how other parts of the world, like Texas in the United States, have also faced devastating floods recently.

How Did This Affect Flights And Schools?

Because of the dangerous weather, around 70 flights, both domestic and international, were cancelled on Thursday. The civil aviation authority said that it was unsafe for planes to take off or land because of the strong winds and heavy rains. Many passengers were left waiting at airports, worried about when they could travel again.

The government later announced that classes across Luzon would remain suspended through Friday. This means that students in schools and colleges had to stay at home for their safety. Many schools are also being used as temporary shelters for families affected by floods.

How Are People Living In Flooded Areas?

Earlier this week, tens of thousands of people in Manila, the capital city, were forced to leave their homes because of floods. Some neighbourhoods had water up to people’s waists. Boats were sent to rescue families who were trapped in their houses. People carried their children, pets, and important things like food and clothes as they left their homes in a hurry.

Many provinces near Manila also faced the same situation. Roads were covered in water, making it hard for vehicles to pass. Schools, churches, and government buildings were turned into evacuation centres where people could stay safe and dry.

When Can People Go Back Home?

As of Thursday, several thousand people were still staying in these evacuation centres. Ria Mei Pangilinan, who is working as a rescue coordinator in Manila, said that they could not send these people back home yet because it was still raining. She explained, “There might be more evacuees if the rain does not stop.”

Many families are worried because their houses are wet and damaged by the floodwaters. Some people lost their furniture, clothes, and food supplies. Health workers are also visiting these centres to make sure that no one falls sick due to cold, fever, or infections caused by dirty floodwater.

Where Is Typhoon Co-May Now?

By Thursday evening, Typhoon Co-May was about 105 kilometres away from the country’s west coast. Weather officials said that it was still strong and dangerous. People were told to stay indoors and not travel unless it was urgent. Fishermen were warned not to go out to sea because the waves were very high and dangerous for their boats.

Why Is This Happening More Often?

Many experts in the Philippines say that climate change is one big reason why such strong typhoons are coming more often. Warmer ocean water gives more power to storms and typhoons. President Marcos also said that people need to accept this as the “new normal” and prepare for such events in the coming years and decades.

What Is The Government Doing To Help?

Rescue teams, police officers, army soldiers, and volunteers are working day and night to help people. They are giving food, water, and medicines to families who had to leave their homes. Boats and trucks are being used to carry people from flooded areas to safer places.

The weather department is giving regular updates about the typhoon’s movement. Local leaders are telling people to stay safe, keep their important documents dry, and have an emergency bag ready with food, water, and clothes in case they need to leave their homes quickly.

How Are The People Feeling?

Many children are scared because of the heavy rains, loud winds, and news about the typhoon. Parents are trying to keep them calm by telling stories, singing songs, and giving them hope that things will become normal soon. Some families said they were praying for the rains to stop and for the typhoon to go away without causing more damage.

Typhoon Co-May has reminded everyone in the Philippines that strong typhoons and floods are becoming a part of life. President Marcos has asked everyone to think about long-term plans to keep people safe. He said that better houses, stronger flood control systems, and better rescue plans are needed so that people do not suffer so much during these disasters.

For now, people are waiting for the typhoon to pass, hoping they can go back to their homes safely and rebuild their lives once again.