SMG mulls issuing typhoon signal as ‘Toraji’ approaches Macau

A new tropical cyclone, named “Toraji,” is currently developing east of Luzon Island.

Forecasts indicate that it will move northwestward across Luzon over the next two days before entering the South China Sea. The cyclone is expected to come within 800 kilometers of Macau from late today into early tomorrow morning.

The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) said it is closely monitoring the situation and may issue a tropical cyclone signal based on the evolving conditions.

“There are still uncertainties in the track and intensity of ‘Toraji’,” said the bureau.

Additionally, the combined effects of the northeast monsoon are anticipated to strengthen winds in Macau, with some showers expected to begin midweek.

On Saturday, the Philippine government ordered the evacuation of residents in 2,500 villages as Severe Tropical Storm Toraji approached the northern regions of the country.

This directive follows the devastation caused by three major cyclones that struck the Philippines in less than a month.

Nearly 700,000 individuals are currently taking shelter in evacuation centers or staying with relatives after their homes were damaged or destroyed by previous storms—Trami, Kong-rey, and Yinxing. These earlier cyclones resulted in 159 fatalities.

With Toraji expected to make landfall in the Philippines today, authorities emphasized the urgency of the evacuation order for communities in the northern regions, including Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Cordillera. LV