Signal No 1 set as Trami kills 14 in Philippines

Henry Siu and Reuters

The standby Typhoon Signal No 1 is expected to be issued later today as severe tropical storm Trami approaches, situated about 800 kilometers from Hong Kong.

The Observatory will assess the need for a strong wind signal No 3 by tomorrow or over the weekend.

As of 4 pm yesterday, Trami was located about 310 kilometers northeast of Manila and is forecast to move west-northwest at 18 kilometers per hour across Luzon.

Following its current trajectory, it is expected to traverse the central and northern parts of the South China Sea, heading toward Hainan, where it may gradually intensify.

A replenishment of the northeast monsoon is anticipated to reach southern China by the weekend.

"There are uncertainties regarding Trami's subsequent movement and intensity. It may linger near Hainan early next week," the Observatory said.

Also, another influx of the northeast monsoon is expected to impact southern China by midweek.

Tomorrow and throughout the weekend, the weather is forecast to be windy and cloudy, with occasional showers.

In the Philippines, Trami has claimed at least 14 lives, as it inundated rivers, flooded villages and forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate, according to officials.

In preparation for the storm, the Philippine government has suspended work and closed schools, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr directing responders to be ready for its impending landfall.