Residents with their motorcycles ride on a banca as they cross a submerged bridge due to a swollen river in Cauayan city, Isabela province, north of Manila on August 24, 2022, a day after Tropical storm Ma-on barreled the province. (Photo: AFP)
Hanoi (VNA) – Tropical storm Ma-On caused at least three deaths and four injuries in the Philippines, the country's disaster agency reported on August 25.
The storm, with sustained winds of 110km per hour, made landfall in the northeastern Philippines on August 23.
It brought heavy rains that caused widespread flooding and landslides, affecting nearly 50,000 people in 400 villages, damaging many houses and cutting off communication and electricity systems.
Filipino President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos announced a closure of government offices and public schools in the capital region and adjacent provinces on August 23-24.
Lying in the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, the Philippines is battered by about 20 typhoons and tropical storms each year.
Ma-On is the sixth typhoon that has hit in the Southeast Asian country this year. In April, typhoon Megi caused severe flooding and landslides in coastal pr✅ovinces, killed 224 people and left 147 people missing./.
Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos has said that he is mulling extending the nationwide state of public health emergency until the end of this year as the country continues to grapple with COVID-19.
The 13th Foreign Office Consultations and 4th Strategic Dialogue between India and the Philippines took place in Manila on August 17 and 18, respectively.
Tropical storm Ma-on lashed the northern Philippines on August 23 morning, injuring at least two people and prompting the closure of schools and government offices in Manila and outlying provinces.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Residents with their motorcycles ride on a banca as they cross a submerged bridge due to a swollen river in Cauayan city, Isabela province, north of Manila on August 24, 2022, a day after Tropical storm Ma-on barreled the province. (Photo: AFP) 
