Typhoon Bavi Slams Philippines, Threatens Taiwan and Japan with Heavy Rain and Winds

A deadly landslide in the Philippines and mass evacuations in Taiwan marked the approach of Typhoon Bavi, one of the strongest storms to threaten the region in decades. The typhoon, currently moving across the Pacific Ocean, has prompted widespread preparations in Taiwan, Japan, and China as authorities warn of severe winds, torrential rain, and potential flooding. In the Philippines, at least five people were killed and six remain missing after a landslide struck the southern island of Mindanao, while Taiwan has evacuated over a thousand residents from high-risk areas.

Typhoon Bavi, which made landfall in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands earlier this week as a super typhoon, has weakened slightly but remains a powerful storm. As of Friday, its maximum sustained winds reached 162 kilometers per hour, with gusts up to 198 kilometers per hour, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA). The storm’s strong-wind radius spans 380 kilometers, making it the largest typhoon to hit Taiwan in over 30 years. Forecasters predict the heaviest impact will be in northern and eastern regions, including Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Yilan, with mountainous areas facing the greatest risk of landslides and flooding.

In Taiwan, authorities have taken extensive precautions, closing schools, businesses, and canceling hundreds of flights. Residents in Keelung, one of the hardest-hit areas, have stockpiled supplies, taped windows, and reinforced buildings with sandbags. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te urged heightened vigilance, while over 20,000 troops were placed on standby for emergency response. In Japan’s remote Sakishima Islands, schools and offices have also closed, with forecasters warning of high waves and landslides. Meanwhile, businesses in Okinawa, including water sports and hospitality operations, face significant losses as bookings are canceled ahead of the storm’s arrival.

After passing Taiwan and Japan’s southwestern islands, Bavi is expected to make landfall in eastern China over the weekend. This comes as parts of southern and central China are already reeling from extreme weather, with at least 39 deaths reported this week due to storms, river overflows, and a dam breach. The European Union’s Copernicus Marine Service noted that oceans have experienced their hottest June on record, a trend that could fuel stronger and wetter tropical storms. The return of El Nino, a climate phenomenon that warms Pacific waters, further increases the likelihood of intensified storms in the coming months.

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