Seven people were killed while thousands fled to higher ground as powerful typhoon Goni brought torrential rains to the northern Philippines, triggering landslides and floods, officials said Saturday.
Six people died in Mountain Province and Benguet in the northern highlands after they were buried in rocks and mud. A man was killed in nearby Ilocos Norte province after he was hit by a falling tree, the national disaster council said in a report.
Two others were reported missing in flooded areas while five people were injured. Roughly 1,700 people had been evacuated by Saturday, the report said.
Typhoon Goni was 165 kilometres northeast of the northern province of Cagayan on Saturday morning, with winds of up to 195kph (121mph), according to the state weather bureau.
In the northern province of Abra, two straight days of heavy rains caused a major river to overflow, governor Eustaquio Bersamin said.
"The Abra river has turned into an ocean," Bersamin told DZMM radio.
"The rains were much stronger than we expected," he said.
Thirteen domestic flights were cancelled on Saturday, the disaster council said.
The storm is the ninth out of an average of 20 that hit the Philippines each year and is now heading to Taiwan, the weather bureau said.
Taiwan has evacuated people from outlying islands and troops are on standby for disaster relief as it takes precautions against heavy rains expected this weekend.
Towering waves crashed against the island's eastern coast Saturday morning, although people were still on the beach in the southern region of Kenting.
Tourists evacuated
While the chance of Goni making landfall in Taiwan has diminished, the typhoon will bring heavy rains to most of the island Saturday and Sunday, with mountainous areas in eastern Hualien and Yilan counties expected to see torrential downpours.
Areas at risk included the hot spring town of Wulai that was devastated by Typhoon Soudelor just two weeks ago. The popular tourist destination is still struggling to repair roads damaged by mudslides and the town remains cut off from regular water and power supplies.
Wulai residents piled large sandbags along the river to prevent flooding from the expected rains and local officials may evacuate residents from at-risk areas later Saturday.
At least 1,700 tourists have already been evacuated from Taiwan's outlying Green and Orchid islands. Offices and schools have been closed there since Friday. Some ferry services and domestic flights have been cancelled, but international flights have yet to be affected.
China's National Meteorological Center has forecast Goni will not make landfall in the country, although the lowest level typhoon alert has been issued.
The eastern province of Fujian, which faces Taiwan across a strait, has evacuated nearly 5,000 people involved in the fishing industry from coastal areas while 10,490 boats have returned to port to avoid impact from the typhoon.
Typhoon Soudelor killed at least 21 people in China after making landfall in Fujian earlier this month.
In Japan, airlines announced possible flight delays and cancellations as Goni and another strong typhoon, Atsani, neared.
Atsani was expected to approach the Ogasawara island chain, some 1,000 kilometres south of Tokyo, on Saturday, with winds of up to 252kph, according to the Japanese meteorological agency.
Goni was forecast to approach the Sakishima island chain in the south on Sunday, it said.
AFP
Sat Aug 22 2015
A man was killed in nearby Ilocos Norte province after he was hit by a falling tree.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.