Typhoon Bavi, one of the strongest storms to hit the region in decades, has killed at least 15 people in the southern Philippines and is now threatening several countries across East Asia.

According to local authorities, multiple landslides triggered by heavy rainfall struck parts of Mindanao Island overnight. Several families were buried under debris, while rescue teams continued searching for missing people in affected communities.

Weather officials said the massive storm system spans nearly 1,000 kilometres and is moving across the Pacific Ocean toward Taiwan. Forecasters have warned of intense rainfall, strong winds, flash floods, and landslides in areas expected to be in the typhoon’s path.

Authorities in Taiwan have issued weather alerts for northern and eastern regions, while Japan’s remote islands are also expected to experience heavy rain and rough weather conditions. The storm is forecast to approach southeastern coastal areas of China later this week.

As a precaution, dozens of flights have been cancelled across the region, and schools and educational institutions have been temporarily closed in several locations. Residents in vulnerable areas have rushed to stock up on food, drinking water, and emergency supplies, leaving shelves in some supermarkets nearly empty.

Disaster management agencies remain on high alert as concerns grow over possible flooding and additional landslides. Emergency teams have been deployed to high-risk areas to assist affected communities and respond to any further emergencies.

Officials in the Philippines warned that moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the next two days, increasing the risk of floods and landslides. Authorities have urged residents to follow evacuation orders and monitor official weather updates closely.