标签： Asia

Taiwan faced severe flooding and widespread disruptions as Typhoon Fung-wong, though significantly weakened, unleashed torrential rains across the island. Over 8,300 residents were evacuated from vulnerable areas, particularly in the eastern counties of Yilan and Hualien, where floodwaters reached neck-deep levels. The southern regions bore the brunt of the storm, with businesses and schools forced to close, and 51 people reported injured. Television broadcasts depicted dramatic scenes of soldiers rescuing stranded individuals in Yilan, while the harbor town of Suao recorded a staggering 648 mm (25 inches) of rainfall on Tuesday, a monthly record. Fisherman Hung Chun-yi described the rapid inundation of his home, emphasizing the overwhelming intensity of the downpour. Huang En-hong, a forecaster at Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration, linked the unseasonably late typhoon to broader climate change trends, warning of increasingly extreme weather patterns. Typhoon Fung-wong, which claimed 27 lives in the Philippines, is expected to skirt Taiwan’s southern tip before dissipating in the Pacific. Notably, the northern city of Hsinchu, home to TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, remained unaffected by the storm.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has conveyed its heartfelt condolences and solidarity to the Philippines following the catastrophic impact of Super Typhoon Fung-wong. The typhoon, which ravaged the nation, resulted in numerous fatalities, displaced thousands of residents, and inflicted extensive material damage. In an official statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed profound sympathy for the bereaved families and extended its condolences to both the Philippine government and its citizens during this period of immense loss.

As of now, Typhoon Fung-wong has weakened as it exits the Philippines, but meteorological forecasts suggest a potential re-entry into the country on November 12. The UAE’s gesture of support underscores the importance of international solidarity in times of natural disasters, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to address such crises.

This tragic event highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena, raising concerns about climate change and its far-reaching consequences. The UAE’s response also reflects its commitment to fostering strong diplomatic ties and humanitarian aid with nations affected by such calamities.

Myanmar’s military government has officially integrated Russian Mi-38T helicopters and Chinese Y-8 transport aircraft into its air force, signaling continued support from Moscow and Beijing despite international sanctions. The move comes as the Tatmadaw, Myanmar’s military, intensifies its operations in the ongoing civil war. The United Nations reports that Russia and China have supplied hundreds of millions of dollars worth of equipment to the regime, defying global pressure to halt arms sales. The newly commissioned aircraft, showcased in a November 7 ceremony in Naypyitaw, are expected to enhance the military’s ability to deploy troops in challenging terrains, particularly mountainous regions. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing emphasized the critical role of air power in addressing both internal and international conflicts. Analysts note that Myanmar is the first known export customer of the Mi-38T, underscoring Russia’s pivotal role in sustaining the regime. Despite losing significant territory to pro-democracy and ethnic militias, the Tatmadaw has leveraged its superior firepower and air capabilities to regain control of key areas, including strategic towns in Shan state. The military has also secured agreements with ethnic rebel groups, facilitated by Chinese mediation, to consolidate its hold on resource-rich regions. As the December 28 election approaches, the first since the 2021 coup, the military has escalated its campaign to reclaim opposition-held territories, often resulting in civilian casualties. The election, widely criticized as illegitimate, will be conducted in phases due to ongoing conflict, with voting excluded in numerous townships.