Opinion | As the Philippines faces a rise in deadly super typhoons, Southeast Asia is bearing the burden of climate change

Typhoon Rai barrelled across the Philippines’ southeast region over Christmas, causing millions to lose their homes and livelihoods

With destructive storms on the rise, the country is paying for the actions of large carbon producers like the US and China, and needs support in preparing for future disasters

Reading Time:3 minutes

Residents wash their belongings next to their destroyed house in the Philippines’ Bohol province on December 21, 2021, days after super Typhoon Rai caused widespread devastation. Photo: AFP

Published: 11:00am, 15 Jan 2022

Filipinos are as tough as they come. Yet nowhere else on Earth must contend with as many typhoons and storms as the Philippines – and climate change is making the problem worse.

Just days before Christmas, Typhoon Rai slammed into the Philippines’ southeast region, affecting more than 7 million people, claiming more than 400 lives and injuring thousands.

Despite the growing danger of extreme weather, we must aim for zero deaths and severe injuries in disasters. We can and must do better.

Typhoon Rai caught most by surprise. It appeared like a monster from the deep, drawing its power from the mighty, warming Pacific Ocean currents east of the Philippines.

Initially a category one storm, within hours it became a category five super typhoon that barrelled across islands with full force, destroying much in its path. It is one of the most destructive typhoons ever recorded.

It is heartbreaking to speak to people whose flimsy homes were blown to pieces. Crops were flattened in an instant. Precious livestock killed. Hospitals smashed. Bridges, communications and other vital infrastructure destroyed.

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