Super Typhoon Fung-wong, a formidable storm with a radius nearly encompassing the entire Philippines, intensified to super typhoon status on Sunday, poised for a late-night landfall. The storm, packing sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 230 kph, is expected to unleash over 200 millimeters of rainfall, triggering widespread flooding and potential river basin overflows, according to government meteorologist Benison Estareja. Catanduanes, a small island likely to bear the brunt of the typhoon, has already experienced fierce winds and storm surges, with waves crashing over coastal streets. Residents, bracing for the storm’s impact, have resorted to traditional methods of securing their homes, such as strapping down roofs with ropes. In Sorsogon, southern Luzon, some sought refuge in churches, while rescuers in Aurora province urged coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground. The arrival of Fung-wong comes just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi wreaked havoc across the Philippines, claiming 204 lives and leaving 109 missing. Search and rescue operations for Kalmaegi’s victims were suspended due to the impending threat of Fung-wong. Scientists attribute the increasing intensity of such storms to human-driven climate change, which warms oceans and amplifies rainfall potential. The back-to-back typhoons underscore the growing vulnerability of the Philippines to extreme weather events.
分类: world
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UK military to help protect Belgium after drone incursions
The United Kingdom is dispatching military personnel and equipment to Belgium to assist in strengthening its defenses following a series of drone incursions into Belgian airspace, suspected to be orchestrated by Russia. Sir Richard Knighton, the newly appointed head of the UK military, revealed in an interview with BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that Belgium had requested assistance earlier this week. The UK has responded by deploying resources to aid its NATO ally. The incursions, which occurred on Thursday night, forced the temporary closure of Brussels’ Zavantem Airport and were also reported near a military base. While the origin of the drones remains unconfirmed, Sir Richard acknowledged that it is ‘plausible’ they were directed by Moscow. The decision to support Belgium was made in collaboration with UK Defence Secretary John Healey. Germany has also pledged to provide anti-drone measures following a request from Brussels. The disruptions have impacted approximately 3,000 Brussels Airlines passengers, with the carrier incurring significant costs due to flight cancellations and diversions. Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken emphasized that the drone incursions, initially perceived as a localized issue, have now escalated into a broader threat affecting civilian infrastructure across Europe. Sir Richard further highlighted Russia as the ‘most pressing threat’ to Europe, citing its ‘barbaric’ actions in Ukraine and its involvement in sabotage and killings on UK soil. Recent months have seen a surge in drone sightings across Europe, including in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, with some officials attributing these incidents to Russian ‘hybrid warfare.’ The Kremlin has denied any involvement. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius suggested that the incursions could be linked to EU discussions about using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. Despite the lack of public evidence, suspicions have been fueled by Russia’s increased airspace violations in Eastern Europe, involving fighter jets and larger attack drones. In response, the UK has deployed RAF Typhoon jets to participate in NATO defense missions over Poland, reinforcing the alliance’s eastern flank.
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Ukrainian strikes disrupt power and heating to 2 major cities in Russia
In a series of escalating attacks, Ukrainian strikes have disrupted power and heating systems in two major Russian cities near the Ukrainian border, according to local officials. The incidents occurred over the weekend, with drone and missile strikes targeting infrastructure in Voronezh and Belgorod. Voronezh, a city with a population of over 1 million, experienced temporary blackouts and heating cuts after a drone strike caused a fire at a local utility facility. Meanwhile, Belgorod, home to around 340,000 people, suffered significant damage to its power and heating systems, affecting approximately 20,000 households. These strikes are part of a broader pattern of reciprocal attacks on energy infrastructure between Russia and Ukraine, as U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year conflict have failed to make progress. Russia’s defense ministry reported intercepting 44 Ukrainian drones in southwestern regions but did not mention the affected cities. The ongoing conflict continues to strain both nations, with Ukraine targeting Russian oil refineries to cut off Moscow’s war funding, while Russia aims to cripple Ukraine’s power grid, a strategy Kyiv officials describe as an attempt to ‘weaponize winter.’
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A boat from Myanmar with hundreds of migrants capsizes off Malaysia, 1 body found and 10 rescued
A devastating maritime incident unfolded last week in the Indian Ocean near the border between Thailand and Malaysia, as a boat carrying approximately 300 migrants from Myanmar capsized. According to officials, at least one body has been recovered, 10 individuals have been rescued, and dozens remain missing. The exact timing and location of the tragedy remain unclear, though preliminary investigations suggest the vessel sank three days ago after departing from Buthidaung in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. Malaysian authorities have launched a search and rescue operation after survivors were discovered drifting near Langkawi, a northern resort island in Malaysia. Among the rescued were Rohingya Muslims, a persecuted minority group from Myanmar, as well as a man from Bangladesh. Malaysian officials have raised concerns about the increasing activity of cross-border syndicates exploiting migrants through dangerous sea routes. This incident highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by Rohingya refugees, many of whom seek refuge in Malaysia due to its predominantly Muslim population. However, Malaysia has recently tightened its stance on accepting refugees, fearing a mass influx. Currently, around 117,670 Rohingya refugees are registered with the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in Malaysia, representing 59% of the country’s total refugee population.
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BBC on Luzon Island as super typhoon nears Philippines
As Super Typhoon Fung Wong approaches the Philippines, Luzon Island braces for severe weather conditions expected to hit on Sunday. The typhoon is forecasted to unleash sustained winds of up to 185 km/h (115 mph) and torrential rainfall across multiple regions. Authorities are urging residents to take immediate precautions, as the storm poses significant risks to infrastructure, agriculture, and public safety. Emergency response teams have been mobilized, and evacuation plans are being implemented in vulnerable areas. The Philippines, no stranger to typhoons, faces yet another test of its disaster preparedness and resilience. The impact of Fung Wong could disrupt daily life, damage property, and potentially lead to loss of life, underscoring the urgent need for vigilance and proactive measures.
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China’s Fujian aircraft carrier to make regular appearances on high seas: spokesperson
China’s advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, is poised to undertake regular missions on the high seas, according to a statement from a Chinese navy spokesperson on Saturday. The Fujian, China’s first carrier equipped with state-of-the-art electromagnetic catapults, was officially commissioned into active service on November 5, 2025, at a naval port in Sanya, Hainan Province. Senior Captain Leng Guowei emphasized that while Sanya serves as the carrier’s home port, the vast ocean is its ‘true home.’ The Fujian, named after Fujian Province and launched in June 2022, represents a significant milestone in China’s naval capabilities as it is the largest warship in the Chinese navy and was independently designed and built domestically. During its construction, the development and testing of supporting equipment, including advanced carrier-based fighter jets like the J-35, J-15T, and J-15D, as well as the KongJing-600 early warning aircraft and Z-20 series helicopters, progressed as planned. Leng noted that the Fujian will soon be fully equipped with its carrier-based aircraft. He also highlighted that many of the carrier’s facilities and technologies are being utilized for the first time, necessitating further in-depth test verification post-commissioning. Leng reiterated that China’s advancements in military equipment are not aimed at any specific country or objective but are intended to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests. The Fujian, bearing the hull number 18, is one of China’s three active carriers. Future aircraft carrier development plans will be guided by national defense requirements.
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Super typhoon threatens the Philippines, still reeling from recent storm that killed more than 200
The Philippines is bracing for the impact of Super Typhoon Fung-wong, the most severe storm to threaten the archipelago this year. As the typhoon approached the northeastern coast on Sunday, it brought powerful winds and heavy rain, knocking out power and forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. issued urgent warnings, urging millions in high-risk areas to evacuate before it’s too late. Fung-wong, with a massive rain and wind band spanning 1,600 kilometers (994 miles), is expected to affect two-thirds of the country, compounding the devastation left by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which recently claimed over 200 lives in the central provinces before moving on to Vietnam. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of emergency in response to the dual crises. Fung-wong, packing sustained winds of up to 185 kph (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 kph (143 mph), is forecast to make landfall in Aurora or Isabela province by late Sunday or early Monday. The storm’s approach has already caused widespread disruptions, including school and government office closures, flight cancellations, and the stranding of thousands at seaports. The Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations, faces an average of 20 typhoons annually, alongside frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
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Several individuals arrested in Syria on nationwide Daesh crackdown
In a significant nationwide operation, Syrian security forces, in collaboration with the General Intelligence Agency, have successfully dismantled several Daesh-affiliated terrorist cells and apprehended numerous wanted individuals across multiple provinces. The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced the operation on social media platform X, highlighting that it was executed based on precise intelligence and weeks of meticulous surveillance. The operation also led to the confiscation of materials and evidence directly linked to terrorist activities. Authorities have emphasized that this crackdown is part of a broader national strategy to combat terrorism, enhance national security, and safeguard the well-being of Syrian citizens. Investigations are currently underway to analyze the seized materials and build a comprehensive case against the suspects. This operation underscores Syria’s ongoing commitment to eradicating terrorist threats and maintaining stability within the region.
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Spanish police arrest trucker wanted in Germany for drug trafficking
Spanish law enforcement officials have successfully apprehended a 64-year-old long-haul truck driver who was wanted by German authorities for his alleged involvement in a significant drug trafficking operation. The arrest took place on Tuesday at a logistics center in Santa Perpetua de la Mogoda, near Barcelona, according to a statement released by the Catalan regional police. The suspect is accused of exploiting his profession to transport more than 250 kilograms of marijuana and hashish, with an estimated street value exceeding 500,000 euros ($540,000), from Spain to Germany. The arrest was executed under a European Arrest Warrant, and the individual is currently in custody awaiting extradition to Germany. Spain, due to its geographical proximity to Morocco—a major producer of cannabis—serves as a critical gateway for these illicit substances into Europe. This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by European authorities in combating cross-border drug trafficking networks.
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Indonesia investigates student in school mosque blast; motive remains unknown
Indonesian authorities are investigating a student suspected of involvement in a devastating explosion at a school mosque in North Jakarta, which left 96 people wounded. The incident occurred during Friday prayers, causing widespread panic among worshippers. National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo confirmed that investigators have collected critical evidence, including writings and explosive powder, suggesting a deliberate act. The suspect, a student injured in the blast, is under scrutiny, with authorities also examining their family background and social media activity. While the motive remains unclear, counter-terrorism police have searched the suspect’s home as part of the ongoing probe. Among the injured, 29 victims are still hospitalized, with at least two in intensive care. Witnesses described initial confusion, with one student recounting that the explosion originated from under a prayer mat. The incident has raised concerns about safety in public spaces and the potential for further violence.
