Cathay Pacific to Cancel Over 500 Flights Ahead of Super Typhoon Ragasa Impact on Hong Kong

Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific has announced the anticipated cancellation of more than 500 flights in response to the imminent arrival of Super Typhoon Ragasa, which is forecast to affect the Chinese financial hub. The airline stated that starting from 6:00 pm on September 23, all passenger flights arriving at and departing from Hong Kong International Airport will be suspended until daytime operations resume on Thursday. At a Monday press briefing, a Cathay Pacific spokeswoman confirmed the extensive flight disruptions due to the severe weather threat. Ragasa is currently moving westward across the Luzon Strait, situated between southern Taiwan and the northern Philippines, with expected landfall in Hong Kong and southern China on Tuesday. The Philippine national weather service reported sustained winds reaching 215 kilometres per hour at the storm’s center, with gusts up to 265 kph as of 11:00 am local time (03:00 GMT). Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Observatory predicted "gale to storm force winds" and alerted residents of frequent heavy squalls and significant storm surges on Wednesday. In preparation for the typhoon, local authorities have planned the deployment of sandbags and flood barriers in vulnerable coastal communities. The Education Bureau declared that all schools would be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday to ensure student safety. Additionally, the Hong Kong Hospital Authority confirmed that public hospitals have enacted special protocols designed to maintain uninterrupted emergency services throughout the storm period. The combined measures reflect a comprehensive effort to mitigate the impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa on the city’s infrastructure and population.

Juvenile Striped Dolphin Found Stranded in Cebu Dies Despite Rescue Efforts

A juvenile striped dolphin was discovered injured and stranded along the baywalk of Daanbantayan, Cebu, but unfortunately passed away despite efforts to save it. Eyewitnesses John and Jess reported that the dolphin had become entangled in a fishing net, prompting them to contact local authorities for assistance. They claimed that no official aid was provided. Taking matters into their own hands, Jess waded into the seawall to drag the animal toward deeper waters in an attempt to free it. Tragically, the dolphin was later found dead. Glenville Castrence, a faculty member at the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Mindanao State University - General Santos City, suggested that the dolphin was likely a juvenile that had become trapped due to "ghost fishing," which involves discarded, broken fishing nets in the ocean. He explained, "The discarded nets improperly discarded in the sea may have caused the dolphin's entanglement." While acknowledging the rescuers’ good intentions, Castrence emphasized the importance of adhering to established protocols when dealing with stranded marine mammals. He stated, "According to the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network's procedures, it is preferable not to release the animal immediately but to wait for trained professionals equipped to revive stranded dolphins." Castrence also noted that stranded marine creatures might be suffering from underlying illnesses or injuries requiring specialized medical care, underscoring the need for expert handling in such incidents.

Heather McMahan Resigns as Ryder Cup First Tee Host After Controversial Chant Targeting Rory McIlroy

American comedian and actress Heather McMahan announced her resignation from the role of first tee master of ceremonies at the Ryder Cup after a controversial incident involving a vulgar chant directed at golfer Rory McIlroy. The incident occurred during Saturday's four-ball matches at Bethpage Black, where social media clips captured McMahan leading the offensive chant over the public address system. The PGA of America confirmed McMahan would not return for Sunday’s final singles matches, issuing a statement that she had apologized to both McIlroy and Ryder Cup Europe. "Heather McMahan has extended an apology to Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup Europe and has stepped down from hosting the first tee of the Ryder Cup," the PGA of America stated. The incident followed intense heckling aimed at McIlroy, the world number two, who required additional police protection after disruptive crowd behavior, including insulting shouts and interference with putts. McIlroy responded to the provocation with an expletive of his own. In response to the conduct, videoboards at the course displayed messages reminding fans of proper spectator etiquette. Meanwhile, the European team maintained dominance on the course, securing a record 11.5 to 4.5 lead after pairs play and positioning themselves to capture the Ryder Cup for the 11th time in 15 matches.

Iran Affirms Comprehensive Support for Lebanon and Hezbollah Amid Regional Tensions

Iran has reiterated its commitment to providing extensive support to Lebanon and its resistance movement, Hezbollah, according to Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Speaking during a meeting with Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem in Beirut on Sunday, Larijani emphasized that Iran remains actively engaged in backing Lebanon at multiple levels. "Iran is engaged in all forms of support for Lebanon and its resistance," Larijani stated, as reported by Lebanon’s official National News Agency. In response, Qassem expressed gratitude for Iran’s sustained assistance, highlighting Lebanon’s resilience in the face of ongoing threats from the United States and Israel. He underscored Hezbollah’s willingness to engage in dialogue with all parties and its readiness to cooperate with those opposing Israeli actions. "Hezbollah remains open to dialogue with all parties and is prepared to work alongside those confronting Israel," Qassem remarked. Larijani, who arrived in Beirut on Saturday, also met with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri the same day. During their discussions, Larijani supported Hezbollah’s initiative to strengthen relations with Saudi Arabia and described enhanced regional cooperation as vital in countering Israeli influence. This series of high-level meetings occurs amid persistent regional tensions, underscoring Iran’s strategic interest in reinforcing Lebanon’s political and security stability.

Typhoon Bualoi Claims 13 Lives in Vietnam, Leaves Widespread Damage

Typhoon Bualoi struck Vietnam’s central coastline on Monday, resulting in at least 13 deaths and injuring 46 others, according to government reports. The storm, accompanied by fierce winds and heavy rains, caused significant damage to homes, disrupted power supplies, and flooded roads across the affected regions. The typhoon made landfall early Monday and gradually weakened into a tropical depression as it moved toward Laos. The national meteorological agency reported that Bualoi generated waves reaching up to 8 meters (26 feet) high along the northern central coast. Several fishermen remain missing after their vessels were swept away near Quang Tri province, with one fishing boat losing contact entirely, the government’s disaster management body confirmed. Residents conveyed distress over the extreme weather conditions. "I stayed awake the entire night, fearing that the strong winds would tear off the door," said Ho Van Quynh from Nghe An province. Neighbors described a challenging night spent safeguarding their homes following a power outage at their apartment building. "Having experienced many storms, I can say this was among the strongest," remarked 45-year-old Nguyen Tuan Vinh. Proactive measures were taken ahead of the typhoon’s arrival, with authorities evacuating more than 28,500 individuals. Additionally, the closure of four central provincial airports led to the delay or cancellation of hundreds of flights. In Ninh Binh province, intense winds were responsible for nine deaths and seven injuries, while other fatalities included one person drowning in floodwaters in the city of Hue and another killed by a falling tree in Thanh Hoa province. The government reported that over 44,000 homes suffered damage, nearly 6,000 hectares (approximately 14,800 acres) of rice fields and other crops were flooded, and access to certain areas was cut off due to the storm. Despite the widespread destruction, no significant industrial damage has been announced. Major factories within or near the path of Typhoon Bualoi include those operated by Foxconn, Formosa Plastics, Luxshare, and Vinfast. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh directed the defense and public security ministries to immediately deploy troops and police forces to support recovery and relief efforts. The cyclone brought heavy rainfall across much of Vietnam starting Saturday, prompting warnings about the potential for severe floods and landslides. Water levels in rivers and reservoirs in Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Thanh Hoa provinces rose to concerning heights, while tens of thousands of families experienced power outages. Weather officials forecast up to 500 millimeters (20 inches) of precipitation in several regions from Sunday night through Tuesday. Vietnam’s lengthy coastline along the South China Sea makes it particularly susceptible to typhoons, which often develop east of the Philippines. Last week, Bualoi was responsible for at least 10 deaths in the Philippines before advancing toward Vietnam.

Easterly Winds Bring Rain to Parts of the Philippines Amid Potential Tropical Depression

MANILA – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced on Wednesday that several areas of the country will experience rainfall caused by the prevailing easterly winds. Regions forecasted to encounter scattered rain and thunderstorms include Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Caraga, Northern Mindanao, Aurora, and Quezon. PAGASA warned that the moderate to heavy rains in these locations may trigger flash floods or landslides. Elsewhere, isolated showers or thunderstorms are expected to occur due to the easterlies. "Light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas will continue throughout the archipelago," the weather bureau added. In addition, PAGASA is closely monitoring a low pressure area positioned approximately 1,080 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon. This system has a high likelihood of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours. PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando noted, "The possible tropical depression, which will be named Paolo, is anticipated to bring rains over Northern Luzon by Friday."

6.9-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Central Philippines, Killing 19 and Damaging Infrastructure

A strong 6.9-magnitude earthquake rattled Cebu and surrounding areas in the central Philippines late Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 people and causing widespread destruction, according to local authorities. The earthquake struck at approximately 9:50 p.m. near the northern city of Bogo, which has a population of around 90,000, as reported by the US Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor was shallow, intensifying its impact on the affected communities. In Bogo, rescuers confirmed that nine adults and four children lost their lives, with three fatalities caused by landslides burying homes, officials disclosed. San Remigio municipality reported five deaths, including four people trapped under the collapsed roof of a sports center where a basketball tournament was underway; among them were three coastguard members. One additional fatality was recorded in Tabuelan. Provincial rescue official Wilson Ramos warned of potentially more victims trapped under debris, emphasizing ongoing rescue missions in Bogo and San Remigio. The search was hindered through the night by darkness and continuous aftershocks, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recording 379 aftershocks following the main quake. Infrastructure damage was widespread. Roads in several villages suffered damage, and the earthquake disrupted power supply across Cebu and neighboring islands. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines announced that power was restored shortly after midnight in most affected areas. Local residents recounted their experiences amid the tremors. Joey Leeguid, a firefighter in San Fernando town, recalled the intensity of the shaking causing physical disorientation but affirmed his team remained safe. Meanwhile, in the nearby resort town of Bantayan, residents described damaged buildings. Martham Pacilan witnessed chunks of rock falling from a damaged church but reported no injuries. Agnes Merza shared that her home’s kitchen tiles cracked and neighbors evacuated to safety. Provincial officials also reported that a commercial building and a school collapsed in Bantayan, and a fast-food outlet in Bogo suffered severe damage. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro addressed the public through a live video plea, urging caution, advising residents to relocate to open spaces, avoid unstable structures, and remain vigilant for further tremors. The USGS initially measured the earthquake at magnitude 7.0 before revising it to 6.9, while the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed no tsunami threat. The Philippines, situated along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," experiences frequent seismic activity, most of which are mild and unnoticed. However, deadly and destructive quakes can occur unpredictably, with no current technology capable of forecasting their exact timing or location.

China’s Great Green Wall Spurs Environmental Gains Amid Controversy in Inner Mongolia

China’s ambitious “Great Green Wall” campaign has significantly altered the landscape of Inner Mongolia by transforming desert regions through extensive tree planting, drought-resistant crops, and renewable energy installations as part of a multi-decade effort to curb desertification. While the project has been credited with greening over 90 million hectares and generating thousands of local jobs, it has also led to profound challenges for indigenous Mongolian herders whose traditional grazing practices have been curtailed. The initiative began as a response to desert expansion fueled by overgrazing, farming, mining, and climate change in northern China. Over time, the objectives evolved beyond containment to include creating arable land and enhancing ecological diversity through vegetation and solar array installations. President Xi Jinping recently underscored the importance of expanding forest cover to advance China’s climate objectives, with the Kubuqi Desert in Inner Mongolia serving as a prominent example. A 2015 United Nations assessment highlighted that planting vegetation equivalent in area to 840,000 football fields in this region has contributed to poverty alleviation and economic opportunities. However, ethnic Mongolian communities, who constitute 17 percent of the autonomous region’s population, have faced significant disruption. Dorj, a local herder, now confines a drastically reduced flock to a small fenced area near his home due to strict restrictions on free grazing. Activists assert that these measures have forcibly displaced herders and dismantled sustainable land stewardship traditions that balanced the grasslands for millennia. Enghebatu Togochog, a Mongolian activist based in the United States, stated that traditional nomadic herding effectively vanished a decade ago as a result of the program’s enforcement. Restrictions, backed by patrols, have incited protests and arrests among herding communities, indicating deep tensions surrounding the campaign’s social impact. Some Chinese researchers have acknowledged that grazing may have been overemphasized as a cause of desertification, pointing to other persistent factors like mining and intensive agriculture. Experts caution against planting non-native or water-intensive species, as they could harm water tables and ultimately degrade ecosystems further. Wang Shuai, professor of geography at Beijing Normal University, emphasized the ecological value of deserts themselves and advised that efforts should focus on preventing their spread rather than eliminating them. Official slogans featuring President Xi’s message, “Clear waters and green mountains are as valuable as gold and silver mountains,” adorn the reforested landscapes. Plans for the project include planting an additional 70 million hectares, an area comparable to continental France, by 2050. The surrounding regions now boast an increase in income for farmers and herders, according to UN reports. In Dengkou county near the greened zones, farmer Bai Lei has capitalized on the environmental changes by cultivating Cistanche, a parasitic plant prized in traditional Chinese medicine known for its desert-fighting properties. Her business is one among many thriving in the area, which also sees growth in desert tourism. Another local entrepreneur, Feng, praised the grazing ban for improving pasture availability and economic prosperity, noting that regulated grazing resumes once vegetation matures sufficiently. Balancing economic development and environmental restoration with respect for indigenous cultures remains an ongoing challenge as China continues to advance its Great Green Wall ambitions.

US Senate Reaffirms Defense Treaty Amid Rising Tensions in West Philippine Sea

The Philippine government has expressed its support for a recently introduced resolution in the United States Senate that reaffirms the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the Philippines and the US while condemning China’s persistent aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año, in a weekend statement, welcomed Senate Resolution No. 409, authored by Senator Pete Ricketts and endorsed by a bipartisan coalition. Año highlighted that the resolution reinforces the long-standing defense alliance between Manila and Washington and signals that "the world is watching and the Philippines is not alone." He emphasized, "The resolution’s recognition that the MDT covers any attack on Philippine forces, vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea underscores the enduring strength of our alliance and the resolve to stand together against illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive (ICAD) actions." This resolution emerges amidst escalating tensions as Chinese maritime forces continue harassment, blockades, and unsafe maneuvers directed at Philippine vessels and fishermen within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the WPS. Año also praised the US Senate’s encouragement for "appropriate and necessary actions" to counter China’s escalation in the region. He stated, "In the face of continued harassment, blockades, and dangerous maneuvers against Philippine public vessels and fishermen in our own waters, we welcome the resolution’s call for the US to take appropriate and necessary actions to counter Chinese escalation." The resolution advocates for enhanced joint patrols, expanded military training, cybersecurity collaboration, and increased American support for the Philippines’ defense modernization programs. These efforts are intended to bolster deterrence and uphold freedom of navigation across the contested waters. Año reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to defend its sovereign rights based on international law, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the landmark 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling at The Hague, and Philippine national law as the foundation for its maritime claims. Coinciding with the 74th anniversary of the MDT, Año underscored the enduring significance of the treaty signed in 1951. He said, "As we commemorate the 74th year of the MDT, we reaffirm that our alliance with the United States is strong, our commitment to peace is unwavering, and our determination to safeguard regional peace and security is absolute." Article IV of the Mutual Defense Treaty binds both nations to assist one another in the event of armed attack, underscoring the treaty’s critical role in ensuring mutual security.

Netanyahu Signals Possible Further Strikes on Hamas Amid Regional Tensions and Diplomatic Moves

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that further military action against Hamas leadership "wherever they are" remains a possibility, following Israel's unprecedented strike on Hamas targets in Qatar last week. This attack on September 9 marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict that erupted after Hamas militants launched an offensive into southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The strike, which resulted in casualties among Hamas members—including a son of its exiled Gaza leader—and the death of a Qatari security officer, has drawn sharp condemnation from Qatar and a broader outcry from Arab and Islamic countries. Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, described the attack as "cowardly and treacherous," urging participating states at a recent summit held in Doha to take decisive and practical measures in response. The gathering brought together leaders from across the region, including Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, underscoring solidarity with Qatar amid rising tensions. The summit's final statement called on nations to reconsider diplomatic and economic relations with Israel, reflecting concerns about Israel’s recent actions and their impact on peace initiatives. Notably, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi highlighted how Israel's conduct threatens both existing and prospective peace agreements. On the diplomatic front, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Netanyahu and voiced robust support for Israel’s firm approach, emphasizing that Hamas must release all hostages and surrender to end the conflict. Rubio acknowledged the United States' preference for a diplomatic resolution but conceded that a peaceful agreement may not be attainable. "We have to be prepared for the possibility that’s not going to happen," he stated, describing Hamas as "savage terrorists." Despite Washington's endorsement of Israel's position, there are concerns about the regional implications of the Qatar strike since it took place without prior U.S. notification, surprising officials given Qatar’s status as host to America’s largest military base in the Middle East. Former U.S. President Donald Trump cautioned Israel to exercise extreme care in its operations given Qatar's longstanding alliance with the U.S. Rubio is expected to travel to Qatar following his Israel visit, urging the Gulf nation to play a constructive role in facilitating hostage releases, disarming Hamas, and contributing to post-conflict recovery efforts. On the ground, Israeli forces continue their campaign in Gaza City, carrying out strikes that have resulted in the deaths of at least 16 Palestinians, including attacks on residential buildings and a displaced family’s tent. The Israeli military also demolished a 16-story building believed to be used for "terrorist infrastructure." Amidst these developments, Netanyahu refrained from confirming imminent plans for annexing parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a move considered in response to expected recognition of a Palestinian state by some countries at the United Nations General Assembly later this month. He cautioned against unilateral actions, stating that any moves against Israel would provoke reciprocal measures. The Gaza conflict began after the October 7 Hamas assault, which led to over 1,200 Israeli deaths and the capture of 251 hostages. Israel’s military response has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties, with health authorities reporting over 64,000 deaths. As diplomatic efforts and regional summits continue, the situation remains fraught with uncertainty and the potential for further escalation.