Typhoon Doksuri wreaks havoc in the Philippines, leaves six dead and heads towards Southeastern China

MANILA, PHILIPPINES: As Typhoon Doksuri relentlessly struck the northern Philippines, official figures on Thursday (27 Jul) revealed a death toll of six, with the storm now setting its course towards southeastern China.

The typhoon’s impact on the main island of Luzon was severe, resulting in toppling trees, widespread power outages, and the mandatory evacuation of thousands of coastal residents.

The remote and lightly populated Babuyan islands, along with the northern provinces, bore the brunt of Doksuri’s fury, as the typhoon unleashed strong winds and torrential rainfall, causing flooding and triggering dangerous landslides.

Among the tragic incidents reported during the typhoon’s onslaught, a devastating landslide in the mountainous province of Benguet claimed the lives of a mother and her three children in Buguias municipality.

Satur Payangdo, a local disaster official, reported that the family’s house was tragically hit by the landslide. Fortunately, five other individuals in the same household were rescued from the debris, but the loss of lives took the death toll to six.

In another unfortunate incident, a woman was killed in Isabela province when a towering coconut tree was uprooted by the strong winds and collapsed on her. In Baguio city, a 16-year-old boy met his untimely demise when a landslide engulfed the area, further adding to the fatalities caused by Typhoon Doksuri.

The typhoon, originally classified as a super typhoon, had crossed the Pacific Ocean with alarming intensity before gradually weakening as it approached the Philippine shores.

While the storm continues its path across the South China Sea, authorities expect further weakening before it makes landfall in southeast China on Friday. Local communities in China are on high alert, preparing for the potential impact of Doksuri’s remnants.

Philippines and Taiwan’s swift actions safeguard Lives during Typhoon Doksuri

Although Taiwan managed to escape a direct hit from the typhoon, the island still faced its share of challenges.

Heavy rains associated with Doksuri led to the tragic drowning death of a 57-year-old woman, who was trapped along with two others when a mountain river overflowed. Furthermore, approximately 43,000 households experienced power outages due to the relentless downpour, although restoration efforts have successfully addressed most of these issues.

In response to the devastating effects of Typhoon Doksuri, both the Philippine and Taiwanese governments have been actively involved in disaster management and response efforts. Timely evacuation measures and emergency operations have played a vital role in ensuring the safety of residents in vulnerable areas.

Moreover, with Doksuri now moving towards China, the Chinese authorities are closely coordinating with disaster response teams to mitigate potential damage and protect the well-being of their citizens.

As the death toll rises and communities struggle to recover from the aftermath of Typhoon Doksuri, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and efficient response efforts.

While the Philippines and China brace for the storm’s impact, it is crucial for citizens in these regions to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines issued by their respective authorities.

By working together and being proactive, communities can minimize the impact of such natural disasters and safeguard lives and property.