A fast forming tropical system in the Philippines has triggered heavy rainfall, school closures, and the evacuation of riverside communities, raising concerns that a new storm could move toward the South China Sea and approach Vietnam in the coming days.
The Philippine weather bureau PAGASA reported on November 24 that Tropical Depression Verbena was delivering widespread moderate to heavy rain across the Caraga region. Local authorities halted sea transport, suspended classes, and activated emergency response teams as flooding risks increased.
Verbena was located about 330 kilometers east of Surigao City on Sunday morning with sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 55 kilometers per hour. Forecast models show the system moving west northwest and strengthening into a tropical storm within about thirty six hours, according to Gulf News.
Coastal and island provinces including Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, the northern part of Surigao del Sur, and Agusan del Norte were placed under the first level of the national storm warning system. Disaster management offices elevated alert levels and advised communities to prepare for possible flash floods and landslides.
The Philippine Coast Guard temporarily suspended most sea travel to ensure passenger safety. Larger roll on roll off cargo vessels above three hundred tons are allowed to operate only after a twelve hour delay and without passengers except cargo drivers.
Schools in several affected provinces announced immediate closures. In Agusan del Norte, provincial offices also paused operations, with rescue units ordered to remain on duty.
Evacuations began early on November 24 for families living along the Cotcot River in Liloan, Cebu province. Local officials said more than one hundred thirty people, including children, had been moved to safer shelters as water levels rose.
Authorities continue to urge residents, especially those in coastal and low lying areas, to monitor official updates closely as Verbena advances toward the South China Sea. The system could strengthen further as it approaches the region between the Philippines and Vietnam, an area that has already seen multiple storms this season.
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Source: Vietnam Insider