Philippines warns of floods as Surigae becomes super-typhoon

The Philippines has warned of flash floods and landslides as Surigae increases on the water to become the first super-typhoon of 2021.

The typhoon, locally known as Bising, which now has the strength of a Category 5 hurricane, is over the Philippine Sea east of the Bicol region, the land of the country. weather bureau said Sunday. Although the storm is not expected to hit land, it will bring heavy rain and strong winds to the eastern provinces as it moves northwest with a strong wind of 215 kilometers per hour and gusts to 265 kilometers per hour.

The U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center has Surigae as a super typhoon, with a maximum sustained wind of 165 knots and gusts to 200 knots.

“Considering the uncertainty in the typhoon’s orbital forecast, a westerly shift in the current forecast orbit could potentially have significant consequences,” the Philippine Weather Office said. “The possibility of a close approach has not been ruled out.”

An average of 20 typhoons pass through the Philippines each year. In 2013, Haiyan killed more than 6,300 people.