15 dead in Philippines landslides as Typhoon Bavi nears Taiwan

Typhoon Bavi, now classified as a severe tropical storm, is intensifying the seasonal monsoon rains across East Asia as it tracks northwest toward Taiwan and mainland China. Meteorological agencies reported that the system’s sustained winds have risen to 95 km/h (59 mph) with gusts approaching 130 km/h (81 mph), prompting the issuance of tropical storm warnings for Taiwan’s eastern coast and coastal provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang in China. Heavy rain bands associated with Bavi are already producing widespread downpours, raising river levels and prompting flood alerts in several low‑lying districts.

Authorities in Taiwan have activated emergency response teams and advised residents in vulnerable areas to secure property and avoid travel on exposed roads. Mainland China’s disaster management bureau has pre‑positioned rescue equipment and urged fishermen to remain in port. Forecast models indicate that Bavi will maintain its strength through the night before gradually weakening as it encounters higher wind shear over the Taiwan Strait. Meteorologists will continue to monitor the storm’s evolution, emphasizing that the region remains at risk of further heavy rainfall and localized flooding over the next 48 hours.