Janice R. Andrews
Typhoon Bebinca struck the Philippines on September 13, unleashing powerful winds and torrential rain across the Zamboanga region. With wind speeds exceeding 198 kilometers per hour, the typhoon rattled windows and wreaked havoc on homes and schools. Footage captured by RB Rodriguez shows classroom windows violently shaking, with curtains flying in the strong gusts.
The storm left six people dead, two others missing, and injured eleven more. The damage forced the displacement of over 13,000 residents, many of whom sought refuge in evacuation centers. Heavy flooding in low-lying areas compounded the destruction, while emergency services scrambled to provide aid and shelter.
Local authorities have initiated search and rescue operations for those missing, as well as efforts to restore power and communication lines damaged by the storm. Typhoon Bebinca is the latest in a series of powerful weather systems to batter the Philippines, a country regularly hit by typhoons during the monsoon season.
Officials warn that while the storm has moved on, further rainfall is expected, posing continued risks of landslides and flash floods. Communities across the affected areas are urged to remain cautious and heed evacuation warnings to avoid further casualties.
As the nation begins recovery efforts, Bebinca serves as another stark reminder of the Philippines’ vulnerability to extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.
