News Digest

Typhoon Kalmaegi slams into Philippines, sinks ferry

Typhoon Kalmaegi has slammed into the northeast provinces of the Philippines, as the storm moves north-west towards the South China Sea. Cagayan and Isabela provinces are believed to be worst affected by the typhoon, known locally as “Luis”, and several towns were evacuated in preparation for possible landslides, flash floods and storm surges. There were no immediate reports of casualties. But on Saturday Kalmaegi, combined with monsoon winds, sunk the stalled Maharlika II ferry. One hundred and ten people were rescued by passing ships and three bodies so far have been recovered from the water. It is unclear how many people are missing as only 84 were listed as aboard.

Take proper precautions for your situation and listen to the warnings of your village leaders. Do not wait for the storm to hit you.

Council head Alexander Pama in a live TV broadcast

Kalmaegi, the Korean word for seagull, is the 12th weather disturbance to batter the Philippines this year. The country is hit by by around 20 typhoons each year. Typhoon Kalmaegi is now heading for mainland China and Vietnam. China’s state media Xinhua reported that authorities have rescued at least 600 people in Sichuan province and relocated another 23,000 following 18 hours of rain. Seven people have been reported dead and three others missing.