Latest World News: Philippines braces for super typhoon: Canceled flights, Eva
Storm surges as high as 3 meters could hit some coastal towns, meteorologists have warned
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A powerful typhoon moved closer to the northern Philippines on Tuesday, forcing thousands of evacuations and a halt to sea travel ahead of torrential rains and tidal surges of up to 3 meters (nearly 10 feet). More than a dozen domestic flights scheduled over the next few days have also been canceled as a precaution.
The strongest winds in the center of the storm are expected to remain offshore as Typhoon Doksuri blows northwest of Cagayan and Batanes provinces, but could hit the archipelago’s outer islands. The typhoon’s 680km-wide rain band could cause flash floods and trigger landslides in northern provinces, the country’s meteorological bureau said.
Major airlines, especially Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, have canceled a number of domestic flights until July 27. Among those canceled were trips to Basco, Batanes and Laoag. Those flying to Tuguegarao, Masbate, Baguio and Cauayan may also be affected.
Doksuri was last tracked 310 km east of Tuguegarao city in Cagayan province with sustained winds of 185 km/h and gusts of up to 230 km/h, government forecasters said.
The typhoon would also increase seasonal monsoon rains in the central and northern provinces. It was expected to continue moving northwest on a track south of Taiwan that would make landfall in China later this week.
Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba said he had suspended work in his province to allow people to prepare for the onslaught and ordered the evacuation of thousands of people in 11 coastal towns as a precaution.
“It’s a super typhoon and we were doing pre-emptive evacuations in all the coastal villages because they feared the storm surges,” Mamba told The Associated Press by phone, adding that meteorologists had warned that tidal surges could reach heights of up to 3 meters.
Besides work, Mamba said college classes were also suspended from Tuesday to Wednesday. Primary and secondary students were on vacation, he said.
Tuguegarao City Mayor Maila Ting-Que urged the public to be vigilant and imposed an alcohol ban, warning violators of arrests. Fishermen were not allowed to venture into increasingly rough seas.
Nearly 10,000 inter-island ferry passengers and cargo truck drivers, as well as 100 passenger and cargo vessels and motor bancas, have been stranded at several ports where a sailing ban has been imposed due to the typhoon and increased monsoon rains, the Philippine Coast Guard said.
About 20 typhoons and storms hit the Philippines each year, apart from the seasonal monsoon rains. The country is also in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a region prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, making it one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world.
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An Overview of Global Events in 2023
In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.
Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.
Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.
Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.
Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.
Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.
Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.
In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.