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Forecasters have been watching the progress of no fewer than four tropical storms in the western Pacific over the last few days – with the Philippines bearing the brunt.

The first storm, Typhoon Yinxing, affected the north of the island of Luzon last week where it brought nearly 250mm (10in) of rain in some areas. It then weakened as it drifted westwards and is now dissipating over central Vietnam.

The northern Philippines was then hit again on Monday, this time by Typhoon Toraji. It has since eased in intensity but remains at tropical storm strength as it moves towards southern China, where it is expected to bring widespread heavy rain.

Two more tropical storms – named Usagi and Man-yi – are also forecast to track towards the Philippines over the coming days, with the potential that both could strengthen and make landfall as typhoons.

It is very unusual to see so many tropical storms in the Pacific at the same time during the month of November.