标签： Asia

Super Typhoon Fung-wong has unleashed devastation across the Philippines, claiming at least two lives and prompting the evacuation of over a million residents from vulnerable areas. The typhoon, with sustained winds of 185 kph (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 kph (140 mph), is expected to make landfall in Aurora province as early as Sunday night. Authorities have issued the highest storm warnings for Luzon, the country’s most populous island, while Metro Manila and surrounding provinces remain under level 3 alerts. The storm has already caused widespread power outages in the Bicol region and forced the closure of several airports, including Bicol International Airport and Sangley in Metro Manila. Tragically, one person drowned in Catanduanes, and a woman was found dead under the debris of a collapsed home in Catbalogan City. Fung-wong, locally named Uwan, is the 21st storm to hit the Philippines this year, exacerbating the strain on disaster response efforts still recovering from Typhoon Kalmaegi, which claimed 224 lives in the Philippines and five in Vietnam. The typhoon is projected to move northwest by Monday, maintaining its intensity before weakening as it approaches the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has urged residents to comply with evacuation orders, emphasizing the dangers of non-compliance. The military has redirected 2,000 troops to focus on humanitarian aid and disaster response. In Isabela, northern Luzon, families have sought refuge in evacuation centers, with many expressing fear of the storm’s destructive potential. Christopher Sanchez, a 50-year-old evacuee, shared his concerns, recalling past storms that brought floodwaters above human height. Authorities remain hopeful that proactive measures will minimize casualties.

The Sultanate of Oman has officially declared a two-day holiday for both public and private sector employees in celebration of its 55th National Day. The holiday, announced on Sunday, November 9, 2025, will be observed on Wednesday, November 26, and Thursday, November 27. This decision was communicated by Oman’s official news agency, citing a directive from Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. The National Day itself is celebrated on November 20 and 21, with various events and festivities, including the illumination of landmarks with the Omani flag, particularly in the UAE. Under Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s leadership, Oman has been advancing its ‘Oman Vision 2040’, a strategic roadmap aimed at modernization, economic diversification, and sustainable growth. The holiday serves as a moment for citizens and residents alike to reflect on the nation’s progress and achievements.

The Green Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, a sprawling facility in Gujarat, India, has once again come under intense scrutiny. Operated by the son of Asia’s wealthiest individual, the zoo has been accused of importing endangered species in potential violation of international conservation laws. The facility, which claims to house 150,000 animals, was recently cleared of wrongdoing by India’s Supreme Court. However, a report from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has raised alarms about its practices. The report, published ahead of CITES discussions this month, highlights inconsistencies in the zoo’s import records, particularly concerning Appendix I species—the most critically endangered animals globally. Experts warn that Vantara, as the zoo is informally known, may be inadvertently driving illegal wildlife trade. The report calls for significant reforms to ensure compliance with international regulations. Among the allegations is the acquisition of a Tapanuli orangutan, the world’s most endangered great ape, from the United Arab Emirates. Despite CITES’ prohibition on trading such species, Vantara classified the orangutan as ‘captive-bred,’ a claim disputed by Indonesian experts who assert no such breeding programs exist. Similar concerns have been raised regarding cheetahs from Syria, a gorilla from Haiti, and bonobos from Iraq. Panut Hadisiswoyo, founder of the Orangutan Information Centre, has been advocating for the return of several orangutans to Indonesia, including one intercepted in India and handed to Vantara. The CITES report underscores the need for India to overhaul its import procedures and enhance oversight. Independent wildlife trade expert Daniel Stiles described the report as a ‘true examination’ of Vantara’s operations. The findings have sparked concerns about India’s conservation credibility, with experts urging immediate action to address the irregularities.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed profound condolences to Brazil in the wake of a catastrophic hurricane that ravaged the state of Paraná, resulting in numerous fatalities, injuries, and extensive material destruction. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, the Brazilian government, and its citizens, while also wishing a swift recovery to those injured. In a gesture of solidarity, UAE leaders, including President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, sent formal messages of condolence to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The UAE’s response underscores its commitment to fostering international goodwill and supporting nations during times of crisis. This tragic event highlights the increasing severity of natural disasters, prompting global calls for enhanced climate action and disaster preparedness.