SGGPO 07/25/2023 15:59

According to the Philippine Weather Bureau, super typhoon Doksuri with maximum winds of 185 km/h is moving towards a cluster of three sparsely populated islands off the northern coast of the main island of Luzon.

Satellite image of Typhoon Doksuri. Source: Manila Times

Typhoon Doksuri is forecast to make landfall or approach the Babuyan Islands or northeastern Cagayan Province on the afternoon of July 26 before continuing to sweep across Taiwan and eastern China. The super typhoon is expected to bring heavy rain, with rainfall of up to 200mm in the above islands and the northern areas of Cagayan, Apayao and Ilocos Norte provinces on July 25.

There are about 20,000 residents in the Babuyan Islands. Philippine authorities have asked coastal communities on the islands to evacuate and to anchor their boats to avoid going out to sea during bad weather.

The Philippine weather agency has warned that some low-lying areas may be flooded. In the coming days, the northern mountainous provinces of the country will have heavy rains, with a high possibility of landslides.

Passengers stranded at Manila ferry terminal due to suspension of transport services. Source: AP

The Philippines experiences an average of 20 major storms each year, killing hundreds of people and causing damage to property, infrastructure and livestock in many areas. Scientists warn that due to the effects of global warming, storms will become more frequent and more destructive.