Typhoon Surigae on April 17.
Source: NOAA
The Philippines has warned of flash floods and landslides as Surigae intensified while on the water to become the first super typhoon in 2021.
The typhoon, known locally as Bising, which now has the power of a Category 5 hurricane, is located above the Philippine Sea, east of the Bicol region, the national region. The weather bureau said Sunday. While the storm is not expected to hit land, it will bring heavy rains and strong winds in the eastern provinces as it moves to the northwest, with peak winds of 215 kilometers per hour and gusts of wind. up to 265 kilometers per hour.
The US Typhoon Warning Center has labeled Surigae as super typhoon, with sustained maximum winds of 165 knots and gusts of up to 200 knots.
“Given the uncertainty in the typhoon’s forecast, a shift west of the current forecast route could lead to potentially significant impacts,” the Philippine weather bureau said. “The possibility of a close approach scenario is not ruled out.”
On average, 20 typhoons pass through the Philippines each year. In 2013, Haiyan killed more than 6,300 people.