18 killed as Typhoon Bavi hits Philippines
Manila, July 13
The death toll from the combined effects of Typhoon Bavi and the enhanced southwest monsoon has risen to 18, while 12 people remain missing, according to the Philippine Office of Civil Defence.
Most of the deaths were caused by landslides and drowning, while the severe weather has affected about 562,000 people across the country, according to the OCD on Sunday (local time).
According to local media reports, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Typhoon Bavi has enhanced the southwest monsoon and will continue to bring heavy rains to several areas, raising the risk of flooding and landslides.
Authorities have deployed search and rescue teams and continued post-disaster response operations in affected areas, while the Philippine Coast Guard reported hundreds of stranded passengers at seaports due to rough sea conditions, reports Xinhua news agency.
Meanwhile, in a related development related to the storm, China has stepped up flood control and disaster relief efforts as Typhoon Bavi continued to affect large parts of the country on Sunday.
Typhoon Bavi, the ninth typhoon of the year, made landfall twice along the coast of east China's Zhejiang Province at 11:20 p.m. Saturday and again around midnight, then moved inland. It is expected to move northwest while gradually weakening.
Over the past 24 hours, heavy rain exceeding 50 mm has hit much of the central and southern parts of Zhejiang, covering about 42 per cent of the province's total area.
Bavi is the strongest July typhoon to strike Zhejiang since 1949. Due to its massive size and strength, it not only churned up huge waves along the coast but also pushed deep inland, posing a high risk of flash floods, geological disasters, and urban waterlogging, said Hu Yaowen, chief engineer of the provincial department of emergency management.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The article rightly mentions China also hit by same typhoon. Shows how interconnected weather systems are in Asia. Our disaster response teams could learn a thing or two from PAGASA, though our own NDMA is getting better. Still, 562,000 affected is massive—praying for the victims. 🌧️
So heartbreaking to hear about the Philippine families losing loved ones. Our coastal areas like Odisha and Andhra also face cyclones, and it's always the poor who suffer most. Why can't countries invest more in early warning systems and stronger houses instead of just reacting after disaster strikes? Just a question.
Tragic, but at least the death toll is relatively low given 562,000 affected. Our 1999 Odisha cyclone taught us hard lessons. Good to see China also stepping up—they have good disaster management. Philippines needs more support from ASEAN and India. We should send aid if needed. 🇮🇳🤝🇵🇭
Can't help but think of our own vulnerability. The Philippines gets about 20 typhoons a year! We are luckier with fewer cyclones, but climate change is making things worse for everyone. The rescue teams working in those conditions are real heroes. Stay safe, Philippines. 💙
Respects to those lost. But I'm a bit annoyed—our Indian media barely covers such disasters in neighbouring countries unless it involves Indians. This is an opportunity for us to show solidarity. Also, note how China quickly mobilised flood control. We need similar urgency in our own states during monsoon. 🤔
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