Four Storms, 12 Days

Photographer

Noel Celis

for Associated Press

15 November, 2024

People rescue a cow trapped by debris in flood waters caused by Typhoon Usagi. The typhoon destroyed infrastructure and led to extensive agricultural losses. Gonzaga, Cagayan, northern Philippines.

Four consecutive cyclones, three of which developed into typhoons, hit the Philippines in a matter of days in late October and early November 2024. Tropical Storm Trami, followed by Typhoons Yinxing, Toraji, and Usagi left a trail of destruction, mostly in the northern Luzon region.

A Philippine Climate Change Assessment Cycle report points to a 210% increase in typhoons hitting the Philippines since 2012, and other studies indicate that the climate crisis is intensifying extreme rainfall and flooding worldwide.

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Technical information

Shutter Speed

1/2500

Focal length

24mm

F-Stop

f/4.5

ISO

400

Camera

Z 9

Jury comment

This selection highlights the increasing frequency of natural disasters in Southeast Asia, illustrating how people are becoming increasingly accustomed to such events. The classic edit includes photographs that juxtapose intimate moments with the broader scale of these storms, capturing both their personal impact and the wider consequences at the local and national scale. The combination of day- and night-time shots emphasize the relentless nature of these extreme weather events, maintaining a consistent aesthetic throughout.

Four Storms, 12 Days

People rescue a cow trapped by debris in flood waters caused by Typhoon Usagi. The typhoon destroyed infrastructure and led to extensive agricultural losses. Gonzaga, Cagayan, northern Philippines.

Jury comment

A Nation in Conflict