typhoon lucas sweeps across northern luzon, philippines
Reported by : Christopher Larson, Janelle Liew, and Esther Jeong on May 27, 2014
Today, on May 27, 2014 at 5:43 am, the international weather service issued a category 2 typhoon warning for the Philippine’s northern coast. Cities at risk include Tuguegarao, Tabuk, Candon, Alicia, and all other cities located in northern Luzon.
The humidity due to the upcoming summer has created the perfect situation from which the typhoon emerged. This has allowed for a low pressure system to form in which rainfall has increased. With warm ocean water due to the humidity and prevailing winds, a tropical storm was created that progressed into a typhoon.
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Typhoon Lucas, called Lakas in Filipino, has been reported to be formed near the Tropic of Capricorn, in the western Pacific Ocean. It began as a tropical depression, and strengthened as it moved over the sea. The typhoon reached wind speeds of 163 km/h, naming it a category 2 typhoon. Typhoons of this category sustain winds speeds of 154-177 km/h (96-110 mph), and can often cause structural damage, uprooted trees, and flooding.
The Natural Disaster Agency and American Red Cross have released a statement saying that the death toll has already reached 73. The typhoon has damaged the agriculture of the island, affecting its economical status. The country’s officials have initiated a state of emergency for the residents of the island. Luzon’s citizens are suggested to seek shelter in buildings with cement foundations that will better withstand damage from a typhoon. In the case of flooding, citizens have been told to move to areas with higher ground.
The Natural Disaster Agency and American Red Cross have released a statement saying that the death toll has already reached 73. The typhoon has damaged the agriculture of the island, affecting its economical status. The country’s officials have initiated a state of emergency for the residents of the island. Luzon’s citizens are suggested to seek shelter in buildings with cement foundations that will better withstand damage from a typhoon. In the case of flooding, citizens have been told to move to areas with higher ground.
The typhoon is currently moving over cities such as Tabuk, Cagayan, Tuguegarao, and Ilagan. Many of these sites are along the Cagayan River and are at risk of flooding. The typhoon has caused damage such as the uprooting of trees that will block numerous roads. Many houses has been severely damaged by the typhoon, forcing citizens out of their homes. Several mudslides have also occurred due to the typhoon and it is predicted that in the near future there will be a total blackout that will last for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
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Many cities located along the Cagayan River are at risk of flooding. Approximately 3 floods have occurred in different cities, putting many citizens’ lives at risk. Typhoon Lucas has caused moderate damage to crops in the area, and is responsible for the contamination of water sources through flooding. With the flooding of the Cagayan River, the longest river in the Philippines which acts as a commercial waterway, industries will not be able to import and export goods for several weeks to days after the typhoon.
The tropical storm is predicted to last for several more days. Citizens have been advised to not enter buildings that seem at risk of collapsing or to search through the wreckage, as it may result in an injury. As a result of a disaster plan, citizens are suggested to report to the city of Baguio to shelter and medical treatment. Teams of volunteers will also travel to damaged areas to bring individuals to the camp and to clear the wreckage.
The Cagayan Valley Region has been the most affected by the typhoon. Its strong winds and powerful storm surges have damaged buildings and roads, as well as causing water and power outages. However, the predicted death toll is severely lower compared to past typhoon occurrences. It is obvious that the public has taken better safety percussion against natural disasters in the region.
"We have learned from our mistakes." -Luzon's national representative
The Cagayan Valley Region has been the most affected by the typhoon. Its strong winds and powerful storm surges have damaged buildings and roads, as well as causing water and power outages. However, the predicted death toll is severely lower compared to past typhoon occurrences. It is obvious that the public has taken better safety percussion against natural disasters in the region.
"We have learned from our mistakes." -Luzon's national representative
It is now a mission to help the citizens of the affected cities. There will be much help that will be needed. You can help anywhere from volunteering or donations. Please visit http://www.redcross.com/nationaldisasterfund
or http://www.luzonphilippines.weebly.com/ for any information on Luzon. Thank you and any donation can help.
or http://www.luzonphilippines.weebly.com/ for any information on Luzon. Thank you and any donation can help.