15 Killed in Philippines Landslides as Typhoon Bavi Threatens Taiwan

At least 15 people have died and six others remain missing after powerful Typhoon Bavi triggered deadly landslides in the southern Philippines, while Taiwan has evacuated more than 2,000 residents and cancelled hundreds of flights ahead of the storm's expected landfall.

The fatalities occurred in two separate landslides on the island of Mindanao, where days of heavy rainfall caused hillsides to collapse. Authorities said 10 people were buried in Sarangani Province, while another landslide elsewhere on the island claimed five more lives. Rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate the missing.

After passing through Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands as a super typhoon, Bavi weakened slightly but remains a dangerous storm. It is expected to strike northern and eastern Taiwan before moving toward Japan's southwestern islands and China's eastern coast over the weekend.

Taiwan's weather agency reported that the typhoon is carrying sustained winds of 155 km/h, with gusts reaching 190 km/h, making it one of the largest storms to approach the island in more than three decades.

Authorities have warned of severe winds, flooding, and possible landslides, particularly in mountainous regions where nearly one metre of rainfall is forecast. Residents have also been urged to stay away from coastal areas due to waves reaching up to nine metres.

Schools and businesses across northern and eastern Taiwan have been closed, while hundreds of domestic and international flights have been cancelled. More than 28,000 military personnel have been placed on standby to assist with emergency response efforts.

Meanwhile, Japan has issued warnings for its southwestern islands, and China has activated emergency measures as the storm is expected to make landfall along its eastern coastline later this weekend.

Meteorologists say rising ocean temperatures and the return of El Niño could contribute to stronger tropical storms and heavier rainfall across the western Pacific in the months ahead.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share