Key facts
- Typhoon Bavi has caused landslides that killed at least 15 people in the southern Philippines.
- The typhoon is 1,000km wide and is heading towards Taiwan and southeastern China.
- Taiwan is preparing for up to 1m of rainfall and has 29,000 soldiers on standby.
- China has warned of significant impact, with potential for the storm's remnants to move north.
- Numerous flights have been cancelled in Taiwan and Japan, affecting thousands of travelers.
- Southern China is still dealing with the aftermath of Typhoon Maysak.
Typhoon Bavi, a massive storm spanning 1,000 kilometers in width, is currently sweeping across the Pacific Ocean and is expected to impact Taiwan, Japan's remote islands, and southeastern China. The typhoon has already triggered deadly landslides in the southern Philippines, killing at least 15 people.
Authorities in Taiwan have issued warnings for up to 1 meter of rainfall and have placed 29,000 soldiers on standby for potential relief efforts. The storm is anticipated to be the largest in size to hit the island since 1987. In China, warnings have been issued for a "significant impact," with concerns that the storm's remnants could move northward.
Across the region, disruptions are widespread, with dozens of flights cancelled and schools suspending classes. Residents are stocking up on supplies in anticipation of the typhoon's arrival. In Japan, particularly on the remote Sakishima Islands, residents are preparing for the storm by securing their homes. Major airlines, including Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, have cancelled over 260 flights combined, affecting tens of thousands of passengers.
This comes as parts of southern China are still recovering from Typhoon Maysak, which caused significant devastation earlier in the week, resulting in at least 39 deaths and the evacuation of over 130,000 people.