Philippines agriculture heavily affected by typhoon Koppu

Typhoon Koppu has caused damage of at least 5.9 billion PHP (128.01 million USD) to the Philippine agriculture sector.
 Philippines agriculture heavily affected by typhoon Koppu ảnh 1Residents hold on a rope while crossing flood waters brought by typhoon Koppu (Source: euters.com)

Typhoon Koppu has caused damage of at least 5.9 billion PHP (128.01 million USD) to the Philippine agriculture sector.

Undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture Emerson Palad said the typhoon damaged about 277,060 hectares of agricultural land in the northern regions of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Cordillera.

Production loss was estimated at 386,000 tonnes, including 360,000 tonnes of worth 5.3 billion PHP. Meanwhile, corn and high valued crops had production losses of 5,600 tonnes and 21,800 tonnes, respectively.

Death tolls from typhoon Koppu climbed to 22 on October 20.

The tropical storm forced thousands of locals into emergency shelters and destroying rice fields ready for harvest in the northern Philippines.

The typhoon weakened into a tropical storm and moved into the East Sea on October 20 morning, but caused downpours and flooding in the capital of Manila’s surrounding areas.

According to local authority, more than 200 villages in farming regions were submerged with some areas more than 1.5m under water.

Typhoon Koppu was the 12th storm to hit the Philippines this year, the country endures about 20 major storms a year. The most powerful storm ever recorded on land, Super Typhoon Haiyan, hit the Philippines in 2013, leaving at least 7,350 people dead and missing.-VNA

VNA

See more

Malaysia’s foreign direct investment is expected to remain robust in the long term. (Photo: thestar.com.my)

Malaysia expected to remain magnet for FDI

A confluence of factors, including its significance in the global tech supply chain, friendly FDI policies, existing industry clusters, a skilled labour force and extensive free trade agreements (FTAs), makes Malaysia an outperformer in the region

The website of the Anti-Fake News Centre has had nearly 28 million views. (Bangkok Post File Photo)

Thailand to use AI to prevent fake news

The Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society said it is cooperating with over 300 agencies to eradicate fake news while looking to use articial intelligence (AI) to verify news reports.

Illustrative image (Photo: https://nationthailand.com)

Nissan to close factory in Thailand

The company expects to cut or transfer about 1,000 jobs in Thailand and stated that reducing operating expenses by around 400 billion JPY (2.62 billion USD) in the 2026 fiscal year will help maintain a stable operating profit margin of 4%.

The North of Thailand is grappling with a surge in wildfires, with 401 hotspots detected across 17 provinces (Photo: The Nation)

Wildfires rage northern Thailand

The North of Thailand is grappling with a surge in wildfires, with 401 hotspots detected across 17 provinces, the Region 3 Forest Fire Control Centre said on February 13.

Thailand suspends issuance of gun carrying permits to curb crime

Thailand suspends issuance of gun carrying permits to curb crime

Traisuree said the order was issued because many people in Thailand carry firearms in public places without a sound reason. Some display their firearms in public to intimidate others. Such habits could lead to crime and danger to people’s lives, properties and morale, she said.

Participants pose for a group photo at the 31st ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Consultation in China's Ningbo city on February 13, 2025. (Photo: https://asean.org/)

China proposes new initiatives of cooperation with ASEAN

The Chinese side reaffirmed its support for ASEAN's community-building efforts and the bloc’s central role in regional affairs, emphasising the priority China places on its relationship with ASEAN as part of its neighbourhood diplomacy.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Seri Mohamad Hasan (right) and his Cuban counterpart Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla in Kuala Lumpur on February 13. (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia, Cuba strengthen bilateral ties

Malaysian Foreign Minister Seri Mohamad Hasan met with his Cuban counterpart Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla in Kuala Lumpur on February 13, where discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in trade, health care, education and tourism.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which stands 1,703 meters tall, has erupted multiple times in recent months. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Indonesia raises volcano alert to highest level

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which stands 1,703 meters tall, has erupted multiple times in recent months. In November, a series of eruptions killed nine people, forced thousands to flee, and disrupted international flights to Bali.