标签： Asia

The Philippines is grappling with the aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi, one of the most powerful storms to hit the region this year. As of Thursday, the death toll has climbed to at least 114, with 127 people still missing and 82 injured, according to authorities. The typhoon caused catastrophic flooding across Cebu, the country’s most populous island, where 71 fatalities were reported. Provincial authorities in Cebu have confirmed an additional 28 deaths, which were not included in the national civil defense office’s initial tally. Kalmaegi has since exited the Philippines and is now heading toward central Vietnam, where residents are already dealing with severe flooding that has claimed dozens of lives. The storm unleashed torrents of muddy water, sweeping through towns and cities, leaving behind widespread destruction. Residential areas in Cebu were particularly hard-hit, with many small buildings destroyed and thick layers of mud covering the landscape. Local officials described the devastation as ‘unprecedented.’ Residents returning to their homes are struggling to cope with the aftermath. Jel-an Moira Servas, a business owner from Mandaue city, recounted her harrowing experience of being waist-deep in water within minutes and evacuating with her family. ‘Our houses are filled with mud, and everything is in shambles,’ she said. ‘We don’t even know where to start cleaning.’ The national disaster agency reported that over 400,000 people have been displaced in Cebu, home to 2.5 million residents. The death toll also includes six crew members of a military helicopter that crashed during relief operations on Mindanao island. Volunteer rescuer Carlos Jose Lañas described the situation as the worst flood he has ever witnessed, with emergency responders overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster. Kalmaegi, locally known as Tino, is the 20th tropical cyclone to strike the Philippines this year, a country frequently battered by powerful storms. This disaster follows closely on the heels of back-to-back typhoons in September that killed over a dozen people and caused significant damage to infrastructure and crops. The region has also faced an unusually wet monsoon season, exacerbating the crisis and sparking public outrage over inadequate flood control systems. As Kalmaegi strengthens, with winds reaching 155 km/h, it is expected to make landfall in central Vietnam on Friday, where more than 50 flights have already been canceled or rescheduled. Thailand is also preparing for potential impacts, including flash floods and landslides.

In a remarkable display of cross-border unity, approximately 40,000 Sikh pilgrims from India were warmly welcomed in Nankana Sahib, Pakistan, to celebrate the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. This pilgrimage marks the first major religious gathering since deadly clashes in May 2025 temporarily closed the land border between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Despite ongoing political tensions, the atmosphere in Nankana Sahib was one of devotion and camaraderie. The streets were meticulously cleaned, and banners adorned the city, creating a festive ambiance. Pilgrims expressed their gratitude for the hospitality, with many noting the stark contrast between the warmth of the people and the strained relations between their governments. Inside the shrine complex, marigold flowers decorated the walls, and the air resonated with religious hymns. Devotees prayed fervently, some performing ritual dips in a sacred pond. The event also witnessed emotional reunions, such as the heartfelt meeting between 90-year-old Muhammad Bashir and Sharda Singh, whose families had been separated during the 1947 partition. The festival, which continues through November, serves as a powerful reminder of shared humanity and the potential for peace amidst political discord.

Somalia’s Defence Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has confirmed that transport aircraft carrying undisclosed cargo have been flying between Bosaso Airport in Somalia’s Puntland region and western Sudan. This admission follows a Middle East Eye (MEE) report last week, which detailed the use of Bosaso Airport by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to support Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF has been engaged in a brutal conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023, with allegations of genocide and widespread human rights abuses, including rape and murder of civilians in North Darfur’s el-Fasher city. MEE’s investigation revealed that heavy logistical materials were offloaded at Bosaso Airport before being transported to Sudan via neighboring countries. Additionally, Colombian mercenaries, reportedly fighting alongside the RSF, have been observed transiting through Bosaso Airport. Flight tracking data and satellite imagery suggest the UAE as the origin of these operations. The UAE has long funded Puntland’s regional security forces, and the semi-autonomous region maintains close ties with Abu Dhabi. Somalia’s federal government, which controls the country’s airspace, has not openly confronted the UAE over its activities in Puntland. Former Somali Foreign Minister Abdisaid Muse Ali accused Somalia of complicity in the genocide in Sudan, stating that the use of Bosaso as a logistical hub implicates Somalia in sustaining the RSF’s operations. The report has sparked widespread debate in Somali and regional media, with prominent figures condemning the alleged involvement of Bosaso Airport in Sudan’s conflict. Despite historical support from Sudan, including scholarships for Somali students, Somalia’s role in the war has drawn criticism and calls for accountability.