Super Typhoon Doksuri Intensifies, Threatens Philippines and China
A powerful storm named Doksuri is rapidly gaining strength as it moves across the Pacific Ocean towards the Philippines and mainland China. Forecasters are warning that the super typhoon, currently packing winds of around 150 mph (240 kph) and equivalent to a category 4 Atlantic Hurricane, could hit the northern part of the Philippines before making landfall in southern China later this week.
The storm is projected to pass over or near the Philippines’ Babuyan Islands within the next 24 hours, bringing heavy rainfall and the potential for flooding and rain-induced landslides. Northern Luzon, the country’s largest and most populous island, is also expected to experience significant rainfall. In addition, the Philippines’ weather bureau has warned of high storm surge, with maximum surge heights possibly exceeding 10 feet.
After passing by the Philippines, Doksuri is projected to continue northwest, coming close to Taiwan’s eastern side. Taiwan is expected to face heavy rainfall as the super typhoon approaches. Hong Kong is also in the storm’s path, with the Hong Kong Observatory advising residents to monitor weather announcements. The observatory has also warned of high heat and thunderstorms ahead of Doksuri’s arrival, as the city just recently experienced another storm, Typhoon Talim, which resulted in school and stock market closures.
China’s National Meteorological Center projects that Doksuri will hit coastal regions in the eastern provinces of Fujian and Guangdong on Friday morning. As a precaution, Fujian province has already upgraded its typhoon emergency warning to the third-highest level and instructed fishing boats to return to port. However, the typhoon’s exact path is still uncertain, as the Hong Kong Observatory has stated that various factors, such as subtropical ridges and monsoon troughs, will influence its trajectory.
Communities in the path of the super typhoon are preparing for its impact. The Philippine government has suspended all public school classes and closed government offices in the capital region, except for critical services, in anticipation of the storm. The government has also urged residents in highly susceptible areas to follow evacuation orders and instructions from local officials.
As Doksuri intensifies, residents across the region are urged to stay informed about its progress and take necessary precautions.