According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the typhoon one of the strongest to hit the country this year struck the eastern provinces of Catanduanes and Albay with sustained winds exceeding 270 kilometers per hour (167 mph) and gusts nearing 320 kph (199 mph).

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said widespread flooding and power outages were reported across the Bicol region and parts of Southern Luzon, while several highways and bridges were rendered impassable due to fallen trees and landslides.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged calm and announced that emergency funds and food packs had been deployed to affected provinces.

“We are mobilizing all available resources to ensure the safety and well-being of our people,” Marcos said in a televised address.

Local authorities said at least two people were confirmed dead one from electrocution and another from a collapsed structure while dozens of others sustained injuries. Evacuation centers are now housing thousands of families, and relief efforts are underway despite blocked roads and downed communication lines.

Meteorologists warn that the storm, now moving northwest, could continue to bring heavy rains and potential flash floods to parts of Metro Manila and Central Luzon through Tuesday before exiting toward the South China Sea.

Fung-Wong is the 10th typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025 and the third classified as a “super typhoon”, underscoring the country’s vulnerability to increasingly severe weather patterns linked to climate change.

The storm, which has already claimed over 140 lives in the Philippines, struck north of Gia Lai province, unleashing winds of up to 155 kilometers per hour (96 mph) and sheets of rain that have caused power outages and widespread damage across several provinces.

Kalmaegi’s arrival has compounded an already dire situation for central Vietnam, where record breaking rainfall this month has caused deadly floods and landslides, killing at least 47 people and destroying farmland, bridges, and hundreds of homes.

Meteorologists from Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro Meteorological Forecasting have warned that some areas could see up to 24 inches (600 mm) of additional rain in the coming days, particularly in the highlands and along coastal provinces such as Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, and Thua Thien-Hue.

“The soil is already saturated, rivers are overflowing, and another major storm is the last thing farmers need right now,” said Tran Van Minh, a rice grower from Quang Ngai province. “Many of us have lost this year’s harvest, and our homes are still under water.”

Authorities have ordered mass evacuations in vulnerable areas, including parts of Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, where flash flood warnings have been issued. Emergency teams are working to restore electricity and clear blocked roads, while the government has deployed military units to assist with rescue operations.

Photos and videos shared on Vietnamese social media show uprooted trees, collapsed roofs, and submerged vehicles, as residents brace for more rainfall over the weekend.

The government has urged residents to remain indoors and to stay alert for landslides in mountainous regions, which have already seen multiple fatalities in recent weeks.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development estimates that the storms could cost Vietnam tens of millions of dollars in crop losses and infrastructure damage, further straining local economies that depend heavily on agriculture and fisheries.

Kalmaegi is the fifth major tropical cyclone to hit Vietnam this year, raising concerns about the intensifying impact of climate change on the region’s weather patterns.

SUVA, Sept. 10, 2025 — Australia and Fiji have agreed to formally begin negotiations on a bilateral security treaty, reinforcing their shared commitment to regional stability and deepening strategic ties across the Pacific.

The announcement came after a high-level meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum. According to Albanese, Rabuka had “recently expressed interest” in initiating treaty discussions, and both leaders have now committed to advancing talks.

“We are building a partnership based on trust, mutual respect, and shared Pacific values,” Albanese said.

 A Strategic Partnership in the Making

The proposed security agreement will aim to:

• Strengthen joint defence cooperation

• Enhance disaster response coordination

• Address maritime security threats, including illegal fishing and trafficking

• Deepen collaboration on climate resilience and cyber security

The talks come as Australia continues efforts to expand its influence in the Pacific, amid growing geopolitical competition and increasing Chinese engagement in the region.

From Canberra to Suva: A Dialogue in Motion

Fiji originally floated the idea of a formal security pact during Rabuka’s visit to Canberra earlier this year. Since then, both nations have expressed interest in elevating their defence and diplomatic cooperation beyond ad hoc engagements.

Australia’s move to proceed with the Fiji pact also follows its failure to finalise a $500 million security agreement with Vanuatu, though Australian officials say discussions with Port Vila are still ongoing.

Pacific Diplomacy in Focus

This development is part of Australia’s broader “Pacific Step-Up” strategy, which aims to bolster regional ties through defence support, development aid, climate funding, and trade opportunities. The renewed momentum with Fiji may serve as a template for future security arrangements with other Pacific nations.

 What’s Next?

Officials from both countries are expected to begin formal treaty negotiations in the coming weeks, with an agreement possibly ready for signing by early 2026.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has issued emergency orders, shutting down all schools, colleges, and government offices, excluding essential services and law enforcement departments. The closures aim to reduce movement and ensure public safety as weather conditions remain dangerous.

Rivers at Alert Levels, More Rain Forecast

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of very heavy rainfall over the next 40 hours, particularly in the Jammu division. Rivers including the Basantar, Tawi, and Chenab are at or near alert levels, raising fears of further flooding.

Authorities have issued strong advisories urging residents to stay away from riverbanks and low-lying areas, especially in flood prone districts. Emergency response teams have been deployed in several districts to monitor water flow and assist with evacuations if necessary.

Ongoing Crisis and Response

Local reports suggest several roads and bridges have been damaged or blocked by rising waters and landslides, further hampering rescue and relief operations. Power outages and communication disruptions have also been reported in some regions.

Officials say efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage and to provide temporary shelters for affected families. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local agencies are on high alert.