Typhoon Nika, known internationally as Toraji, has intensified rapidly, bringing powerful winds and heavy rainfall to the northern Philippines. As of Monday November 11, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) confirmed that Nika is moving west-northwest at 20 km/h, with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h and gusts reaching 150 km/h, as reported by Manila Standard.

The storm’s centre was last located approximately 100 km southeast of Casiguran, Aurora. As it intensifies, Nika has prompted authorities to issue various Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) across a vast portion of Luzon. TCWS No. 4 has been raised in the northernmost part of Aurora and several areas in the Cagayan Valley region, while lower signals are in effect for the rest of Luzon, including parts of Metro Manila. The wide distribution of these warnings underscores the potential for severe flooding, landslides, and high winds as the storm continues its path.

PAGASA predicts that Nika may make landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora later this morning, bringing intense rainfall and wind to regions already prone to natural disasters. After crossing the landmass of Luzon, the typhoon is expected to weaken into a severe tropical storm but could continue to pose risks as it moves westward into the West Philippine Sea.

In response to the immediate threat, the Philippine government has activated its disaster preparedness protocols. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has advised preemptive evacuations in more than 2,500 barangays directly in the storm’s path, particularly in flood- and landslide-prone areas. Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who also serves as the vice chair of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, stressed the urgency of evacuations and confirmed that vital resources, including food packs and emergency facilities, have been pre-positioned across the affected areas.

This is just the beginning of a series of storms expected to impact the region, with two more tropical cyclones, Ofel and Pepito, anticipated to follow in the coming days. Authorities have warned that the period from November 11 to 17 could see four typhoons on the same trajectory, heightening the risk of widespread landslides and floods, especially in the mountainous regions of the Cordillera and the northern parts of Luzon.

With a multi-storm scenario unfolding, the government’s preparedness and response efforts are crucial to mitigate the impact on vulnerable communities.