At least 15 people have died in the Philippines due to landslides triggered by the heavy rains associated with Typhoon Bavi . The most devastating incident occurred early Friday in Malapatan,located in the southern Sarangani province on Mindanao, where ten individuals lost their lives. In a separate landslide in Lanao del Sur, five more fatalities were reported, according to local media sources.
Typhoon Bavi, known locally as Inday,entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday. Although it weakened as it moved northwest across the Philippine Sea,its effects have been felt widely across the region. Malapatan Mayor Salway Sumbo Jr. confirmed that some of victims were family members,highlighting tragedy that has struck the community. As rainfall persisted,evacuations were initiated in various parts of village .
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued warnings about the storm’s tail end,which is expected to bring significant rainfall and potential flooding to several areas, including the capital city, Manila . While Typhoon Bavi is not projected to make landfall in Philippines, its influence is causing concern among residents and officials alike.
Earlier in the week,Bavi impacted United States’ Pacific territories,including Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, resulting in infrastructure damage but no reported casualties. Now, as the typhoon approaches Taiwan and China,preparations are underway. Taiwan has already seen hundreds of residents evacuated from their homes,schools,and offices in anticipation of the storm's arrival.
On Saturday, Bavi is expected to unleash heavy rains in northern and eastern Taiwan,as well as parts of Japan. Reports indicate that Japan's Ishikawa prefecture experienced heavy rainfall on Friday morning, with residents bracing for worsening conditions . Meanwhile, southern China is still recovering from aftermath of Typhoon Maysak,which struck earlier this week and resulted in flooding that claimed 39 lives after a dam breach inundated Nanning.
As the region grapples with the impacts of these storms,the need for effective disaster response and preparedness remains critical. The ongoing monsoon season,exacerbated by Typhoon Bavi, poses significant challenges for communities already vulnerable to natural disasters .
