Natural disasters cause heavy damage in the Philippines, South Africa

Megi is the first typhoon to make landfall in the Philippines this year. Among the worst-affected regions are Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Caraga. Authorities said the 86 people killed and 236 injured were residents of Baybay, a mountainous area at high risk of landslides in Leyte province, in the Eastern Visayas region. Kantagnos district in Baybay city was badly damaged, many people were missing and communication was interrupted.

According to CNN, Typhoon Magi, after making landfall in the Philippines on April 10, affected the lives of more than 920,000 people and forced 200,000 people to leave their homes. About 660 temporary shelters are still operating. The Philippine Department of Agriculture estimates agricultural damage caused by Megi at more than $8 million (as of April 13).

An area devastated by natural disasters in Baybay City, Leyte Province – Philippines Photo: REUTERS

South Africa is also being hit by floods, with the death toll in and around Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province increasing to 306, according to statistics on April 13. Addressing the local community on the same day, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa attributed the catastrophic rainfall that has hit KwaZulu-Natal in recent days due to the climate crisis. The leader pledged to continue the search for missing people and strengthen efforts to deal with climate change.

According to South Africa’s National Weather Service, the disaster came after Durban suffered its heaviest rains in 60 years. Some areas in KwaZulu-Natal received more than 450 mm of rain in 48 hours. According to The Guardian, heavy rains lasting several days have flooded many parts of Durban, damaged more than 6,000 houses and some bridges… Meanwhile, landslides forced railway services across the province to halt. work.