Typhoon, winds slam Philippines

Mon., Sept. 15, 2014

Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines – A fast-moving typhoon slammed into the northeastern Philippines on Sunday, sparking warnings of possible landslides, flash floods and storm surges.

Typhoon Kalmaegi, with sustained winds of 81 miles per hour and gusts of 99 mph, blew into the boundary of Cagayan and Isabela provinces with no immediate reports of casualties. It was forecast to barrel northwestward through the mountainous north at 14 mph before blowing out Tuesday into the South China Sea, government forecasters said.

Residents in at least nine northern provinces, which have been drenched by days of rains, were warned to take precautions and stay away from already soggy mountainsides and swollen rivers. Classes have been suspended in cities and provinces that are expected to be swamped by floodwaters overnight or today.

The storm has been blamed for enhancing monsoon winds that whipped up big waves and caused a stalled ferry to sink in the central Philippines late Saturday. Cargo and passenger ships plucked at least 110 survivors from the rough waters and recovered three bodies after the ferry sank.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Typhoon, winds slam Philippines

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

Gunman kills six in Kyiv shooting, hostage situation; suspect dead

As sexual misconduct allegations rock Congress, some push for new rules

Trump administration deepens quest to stamp out the events of Jan. 6