Philippines Braces for Devastation: Storm Co-may Intensifies Crisis

Tropical storm Co-may intensified adverse weather conditions in the mountainous north of the Philippines, leading to at least 25 deaths and forcing evacuations due to flooding and landslides. Coinciding with the seasonal monsoon rains, Co-may prompted the government to suspend schools and declare calamity in many towns.

As rescue operations continue, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., fresh from a meeting with US President Donald Trump, visited emergency shelters to provide assistance, stressing the urgency of adapting to climate change. He emphasized the need for preparedness in a nation prone to numerous natural disasters annually.

With restricted travel and thousands already displaced, the United States has promised to supply military aircraft to deliver aid if conditions worsen. The Philippines, geographically prone to natural calamities, braces for additional typhoons expected this year. The nation's resilience is being tested, as leaders call for readiness in an increasingly volatile climate.

(With inputs from agencies.)