15 Killed In Philippines Landslide As Typhoon Bavi Nears Taiwan

At least 15 people were killed in the Philippines while more than 2,000 residents were evacuated in Taiwan as Typhoon Bavi, one of the largest storms to threaten the region in decades, moved closer on Friday. Authorities said two rain-triggered landslides on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao claimed 15 lives and left six others missing. The powerful storm is expected to lash northern and eastern Taiwan before moving towards Japan's southwestern islands and eventually making landfall in eastern China over the weekend.

In Taiwan, officials issued widespread warnings as Bavi approached with maximum sustained winds of around 155 kmph and gusts reaching nearly 190 kmph. According to the Central Weather Administration, the typhoon's strong-wind radius of about 380 kilometres makes it the largest storm expected to affect Taiwan in more than 30 years. Northern and eastern regions, including Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung and Yilan, are forecast to experience the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall, with mountainous areas facing a heightened risk of flooding and landslides.

Authorities ordered the evacuation of more than 2,000 people, mainly from the eastern county of Hualien, where officials are closely monitoring natural barrier dams that could pose additional risks. Schools and businesses across several parts of northern and eastern Taiwan remained closed, while hundreds of domestic and international flights were cancelled. Residents rushed to stock up on food and essential supplies, reinforced homes with sandbags, and secured buildings as officials urged people to stay away from coastal areas due to waves that could reach up to nine metres.

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Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te called on residents in vulnerable areas to remain on high alert, while more than 28,000 troops, along with emergency equipment and rescue vehicles, were placed on standby for disaster response operations. The typhoon has also disrupted daily life in Japan's remote Sakashima Islands, where schools and offices were closed and authorities warned of high waves, strong winds and possible landslides. Businesses dependent on tourism and outdoor activities reported cancellations as the storm approached.

Typhoon Bavi previously crossed Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands as a super typhoon before weakening slightly over the Pacific Ocean. Meteorologists warned that the system could still bring nearly a metre of rainfall to parts of Taiwan despite its gradual weakening. The storm is expected to continue towards eastern China, where severe weather has already claimed dozens of lives this week. Experts have noted that unusually warm ocean temperatures and the return of the El Niño climate pattern are contributing to more intense tropical storms and heavier rainfall across the Asia-Pacific region.

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