Typhoon Fung-wong, a powerful super typhoon, wreaked havoc across the northern Philippines, causing widespread flooding, landslides, and power outages before moving toward Taiwan on Monday. The storm, with sustained winds of up to 185 kph (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 kph (143 mph), made landfall in Aurora province on Sunday night. It weakened as it traversed mountainous regions and agricultural plains, eventually exiting into the South China Sea. The disaster claimed at least two lives—one due to flash floods in Catanduanes and another from a collapsed house in Catbalogan city—and displaced over 1.4 million people, with 318,000 still in evacuation centers. The typhoon compounded the devastation left by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which had earlier killed 224 people in central provinces and impacted Vietnam. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency, while authorities closed schools, government offices, and canceled hundreds of flights and maritime operations. The Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations, faces frequent typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic activity, highlighting the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness and response.
标签: Asia
亚洲
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Homes underwater, no power: Filipinos share harrowing videos as back-to-back typhoons hit
The Philippines is facing unprecedented devastation as two powerful typhoons, Kalmaegi and Super Typhoon Fung-wong, have wreaked havoc across the archipelago. Residents have turned to social media to share harrowing videos of their experiences, showcasing the scale of destruction and the resilience of affected communities. Entire neighborhoods are submerged, with only rooftops visible above the floodwaters, as families grapple with fear and uncertainty. In Dinapigue, Isabela, Super Typhoon Fung-wong intensified on November 9, with landfall expected in Aurora province later that evening. Videos posted by residents, such as Princess Joeuana Ramos, depict massive waves crashing through fences and floodwaters carrying debris into homes, accompanied by the panicked cries of those caught in the storm. The situation is compounded by the aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which struck the Central Visayas region days earlier, claiming at least 188 lives and leaving hundreds missing. In Cebu, residents still reeling from Kalmaegi’s impact shared their struggles online. A viral TikTok post by a woman named Chine showed her family stranded on their rooftop, waiting in vain for rescue. Her caption highlighted public frustration over alleged corruption and inadequate flood-control projects. Another video by @bernheizelflores, viewed over 3.7 million times, showed cars swallowed by muddy torrents, with the caption criticizing the lack of infrastructure planning. Amid the chaos, acts of bravery have emerged as symbols of hope. In one viral clip, residents rescued eight people trapped in a car amid raging floodwaters, embodying the Filipino spirit of bayanihan—communal unity in times of crisis. As the nation begins to assess the damage, the focus shifts to recovery and addressing systemic issues that exacerbated the disaster.
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Guangdong urged to drive high-quality development
President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for Guangdong province to spearhead high-quality development through comprehensive reform and opening-up. During a two-day inspection tour concluding on Saturday, Xi, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, highlighted Guangdong’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). This plan, adopted during the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, outlines China’s developmental trajectory over the next five years. Guangdong, with a GDP of 14.16 trillion yuan ($1.99 trillion) in 2024, has consistently led the nation’s economic rankings for 36 years. Xi urged the province to leverage its strengths in science and technology, foster a modern industrial system, and deepen cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao to advance the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) into a world-class city cluster. The GBA, comprising Hong Kong, Macao, and nine cities in Guangdong’s Pearl River Delta, is seen as a bridgehead for China’s reform and high-level opening-up. Xi’s visit also included a stop in Meizhou, where he inspected efforts to revitalize rural areas and support old revolutionary base areas. Experts noted that Xi’s tour underscores China’s commitment to deepening reform and opening-up, with the GBA playing a crucial role in integrating global industrial chains and driving domestic innovation.
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McIlroy swaps fairways for the fast lane at Yas Marina Circuit
Renowned golfer Rory McIlroy, a Career Grand Slam winner and the reigning Race to Dubai champion, recently swapped the tranquility of the golf course for the high-octane world of motorsport. McIlroy joined professional driver Francesca Pardini at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi for an exhilarating experience. The event, captured by European Tour Productions, showcased McIlroy’s transition from the fairways to the fast lane, where he reached speeds of up to 180 mph. The exclusive behind-the-scenes footage highlighted McIlroy’s preparation, from suiting up to walking the track, and the intense forces he experienced during high-speed laps. Integrated WHOOP biometric data provided insights into McIlroy’s heart rate and stress levels, illustrating the adrenaline rush of the experience. This unique event not only highlighted McIlroy’s versatility but also showcased Yas Island as a premier multi-sport destination, offering world-class facilities from championship golf at Yas Links to motorsport at the Yas Marina Circuit.
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Shanghai hosts 6th intl 3E talent fair
Shanghai’s Changning district became a focal point for global talent and innovation as it hosted the 6th International 3E (Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Enterprise) Fair at the Gubei Civic Center on November 8. The event, co-organized by the Changning District Talent Work Leading Group Office, the Changning District Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, and Hongqiao Neighborhood, brought together international professionals, industry leaders, and experts to explore strategies for fostering talent development and community integration in Shanghai. Since its launch in 2020, the 3E Fair has grown into a cornerstone of Shanghai’s talent recruitment efforts, hosting over 60 events, attracting 5,500 participants, and engaging nearly 300 multinational and local enterprises. This year’s edition introduced several innovative initiatives, including the Hongqiao CoLab, a collaborative platform connecting top universities like Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Tongji University with industry leaders in artificial intelligence and frontier technologies. Additionally, the Hongqiao Top HR Association was established to enhance recruitment coordination among 28 leading enterprises, while the Hongqiao Link project was unveiled to support international families through social networks and community-building efforts. The fair also featured updates on visa facilitation and one-stop services, presented by the Changning Public Security Bureau and the Shanghai Hongqiao Overseas Talent Service Center. Chen Feng, director of Hongqiao Sub-district Office, highlighted the event’s role in driving synergy between talent development and regional growth, solidifying its status as a flagship initiative for Hongqiao and Changning.
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Rai overcomes Fleetwood in a play-off to win Abu Dhabi title
Aaron Rai secured his second Rolex Series title at the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after a thrilling play-off victory against Tommy Fleetwood on Sunday. The English golfer, who began the final round with a one-shot lead, faced a challenging start as Fleetwood surged ahead with an early advantage. However, Rai staged a remarkable comeback with four consecutive birdies on the front nine, reclaiming the top spot. The duo engaged in a roller-coaster battle, with Fleetwood regaining control before Rai’s late brilliance on the 16th and 17th holes tied the score heading into the final hole. Despite missing a chance to win in regulation on the 18th green, Rai clinched victory with a decisive birdie putt at the first extra hole, marking his third DP World Tour win. Rai’s final round of 67 included seven birdies and two bogeys, finishing at 25 under par, while Fleetwood carded a bogey-free 66 with an eagle and four birdies. Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy shot a ten-under-par 62, finishing one shot behind in a tie for third with Nicolai Højgaard. Rai, who started the week ranked 55th in the season-long standings, now heads to the DP World Tour Championship as the Tour’s most recent winner. Reflecting on his victory, Rai praised Fleetwood’s sportsmanship and credited his caddie, Jason Timmis, for helping him stay focused after a critical missed putt on the 14th hole. The emotional win was celebrated with his father, Amrik, as Rai expressed gratitude for the unforgettable experience.
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‘I just want to breathe’: Delhi protesters demand action on toxic pollution
In a desperate plea for clean air, dozens of protesters gathered in New Delhi on Sunday, demanding urgent government action to combat the city’s toxic pollution. The Indian capital, home to 30 million people, is frequently ranked among the world’s most polluted cities. A thick haze of hazardous microparticles, known as PM2.5, blanketed the skyline, with levels soaring up to 60 times the United Nations’ daily health limits. These cancer-causing particles are small enough to enter the bloodstream, posing severe health risks. Protesters, including parents with masked children, carried placards with messages like ‘I miss breathing’ and ‘I just want to breathe.’ The demonstration took place near India Gate, where PM2.5 levels were over 13 times the World Health Organization’s recommended maximum. ‘I am here because I don’t want to become a climate refugee,’ said Namrata Yadav, a mother who joined the rally. Tanvi Kusum, a lawyer, expressed frustration, stating, ‘Year after year, it is the same story, but there is no solution.’ Despite government measures such as partial transport restrictions and water trucks spraying mist to clear particulate matter, the pollution crisis persists. A recent study in The Lancet Planetary Health linked 3.8 million deaths in India between 2009 and 2019 to air pollution. The United Nations children’s agency warns that polluted air increases children’s risk of acute respiratory infections. As the protest grew, police detained several activists, confiscating their banners and placards, citing a lack of protest permits. The event underscored the growing public outcry for meaningful action to address Delhi’s deadly air quality crisis.
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Alcaraz off to winning start at ATP Finals with win over De Minaur
Carlos Alcaraz, the top seed, kicked off his ATP Finals campaign with a commanding 7-6(5), 6-2 victory over Australia’s Alex de Minaur in their round-robin match on Sunday in Turin. This marks Alcaraz’s first win in an opening match at the prestigious season-ending championships. Despite a spirited effort from De Minaur, who rallied from a 4-1 deficit to force a tiebreak in the first set, Alcaraz’s resilience and skill proved decisive. The Spaniard broke De Minaur’s serve twice in the second set, securing a 4-1 lead and ultimately closing out the match without allowing a comeback. Both players aimed to improve upon their disappointing performances from last year, where Alcaraz lost two of his three round-robin matches and De Minaur suffered three consecutive defeats. Alcaraz, who is vying to end the year as the world number one, must reach the final with at least one round-robin win or sweep his group matches to secure the top ranking for the second time. Meanwhile, defending champion Jannik Sinner must retain his title to have any chance of finishing the year in the top spot. The ATP Finals, featuring the world’s top eight singles players and doubles teams, boasts a record prize pool of $15.5 million and offers 1,500 ranking points. The tournament will conclude with the final at the Inalpi Arena in Turin on November 16.
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India’s data centre boom confronts a looming water challenge
India’s data centre capacity is on track to skyrocket by 77% by 2027, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and the country’s burgeoning digital economy. With global tech giants like Google, Amazon Web Services, and Meta pouring billions into the sector, India is poised to become a global hub for data infrastructure. Google’s recent $15 billion investment in Andhra Pradesh underscores the scale of this transformation. However, this explosive growth comes with significant environmental challenges, particularly concerning water and energy consumption.
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Ireland joins calls to ban Israel from European football
Ireland has become the latest nation to advocate for Israel’s exclusion from European football competitions. On Saturday, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) passed a resolution urging UEFA to suspend Israeli clubs and the national team from all European tournaments. The decision followed a proposal from Dublin-based club Bohemians, which accused the Israel Football Association (IFA) of violating UEFA’s anti-racism policies and permitting the establishment of clubs in ‘illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank’ without Palestinian Football Association approval. The FAI’s motion was supported by 74 members, with seven opposing and two abstaining. In a statement, the FAI confirmed it would formally request UEFA’s executive committee to suspend the IFA for breaching two provisions of UEFA’s statutes. This resolution aligns with similar calls from Norway and Turkey, both of which referenced a UN Commission of Inquiry report accusing Israel of genocide during its conflict in Gaza. In September, UEFA postponed discussions on Israel’s potential ban following a ceasefire agreement brokered by former US President Donald Trump. While a European ban would not affect Israel’s participation in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, it could strain relations between UEFA and the United States, co-host of the 2026 World Cup.
