Typhoon Bavi Leaves 15 Dead in Philippines, Threatens Taiwan and China
Typhoon Bavi lashed Japan's southern Sakishima island chain with heavy rain and strong winds on Saturday as it moved towards Taiwan, prompting authorities to warn of flooding and landslides. The storm, one of the largest to hit the region in decades, had maximum sustained winds of 144 km/h near its centre, with gusts reaching up to 198 km/h.
On Friday, at least 15 people were killed in landslides triggered by Bavi's rains in the Philippines' southern island of Mindanao. Six others remain missing, according to local authorities. Thousands of residents in Taiwan were evacuated from mountainous areas as the island braced for the typhoon's approach.
In Japan's Okinawa prefecture, debris flew across empty streets on Ishigaki Island, where flights and ferry services remained suspended for the entire day. Boats rocked in strong currents at a local harbour. Authorities warned of violent winds and urged residents to stay indoors.
Taiwan evacuated more than 14,000 people, mostly from northern and eastern mountainous regions. All 274 domestic flights and 917 international flights were cancelled. Most cities and counties declared a typhoon holiday, closing offices and schools. The high-speed rail line operated with reduced services. In Taipei, residents reported blustery wind and rain, but some remained outdoors. “It's OK, it's not that serious,” said 68-year-old resident Yeh Mao-hsiung, out for a walk with his dog. “It's just a little bit more wind.”
In Keelung, a port city expected to be hard hit, residents stocked up on food, taped windows and stacked sandbags. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) forecast up to one metre of rain in some areas. Forecaster Liao Chwen-huey said, “From tonight through daytime tomorrow will be the period when the typhoon is closest to Taiwan and its impact will be the most significant.” Bavi's strong-wind radius of 380 km makes it the largest typhoon to affect Taiwan in over 30 years.
After passing Taiwan, Bavi is forecast to hit the eastern Chinese city of Wenzhou, home to 10 million people, early on Sunday. The storm, which was a super typhoon earlier in the week when it struck Guam and the Northern Marianas, has gradually weakened. However, authorities in all affected regions continue to urge caution and preparedness.
