Cyclone Mawar reached Philippines, efforts continue to evacuate villagers, schools and offices closed

After ravaging the US Pacific territory of Guam, powerful Typhoon Mavar slammed into northern Philippine provinces, prompting authorities to begin evacuating villagers and closing schools and offices on Monday. During this, boating has also been banned there. The local name for Hurricane Mawr is Betty. Meteorologists said the storm is unlikely to cause damage in mountainous areas but will slow down by the time it reaches the northern province of Batanes from Tuesday to Wednesday, causing tidal waves, flash floods and landslides.

The storm is moving in the Pacific Ocean about 525 kilometers (326 miles) east of the coastal city of Aparri in Cagayan province with winds ranging from 155 kilometers per hour to 190 kilometers per hour. Last week in the American Pacific region of Guam, this powerful storm caused massive devastation. Such a powerful storm was witnessed in the region after two decades. However, the storm weakened by the time it reached the Philippines.

These storms, earthquakes and natural disasters have been a part of our lives, Batanes Vice Governor Ignacio Villa told The Associated Press. We can leave no stone unturned in preparing to deal with them as it will result in loss of life and property. Military personnel, police, fire brigade personnel and volunteers have been kept ready for possible search and rescue operations in view of the emergency situation in the eastern provinces, disaster management officials said. He informed that more than one million food packets are being prepared for the displaced villagers.

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