Philippines orders forced evacuations in coastal areas as Typhoon Pepito approaches
The Philippine government has ordered forced evacuations in coastal areas at risk of severe storm surges from Typhoon Pepito. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced that about 200,000 families in Regions 8, 5, 4, and 2 must evacuate immediately. High-risk areas include Catanduanes, Samar Island, Camarines Sur, and Quezon. Remulla emphasized that Catanduanes faces the greatest threat, despite not being directly hit by recent typhoons. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed authorities to create a map identifying storm surge risk areas. This map will help determine safe evacuation heights above expected storm surge levels.