Philippines Shuts Schools, Cancels Flights as Typhoon Co-May Hits Luzon

The Philippine government has suspended schools and grounded dozens of flights as Typhoon Co-May lashes Luzon Island with strong winds and heavy rains.

Upgraded overnight from a tropical storm, Co-May has intensified the seasonal monsoon downpours that have already killed at least 19 people and left 11 others missing since July 18, according to the national disaster agency.

The country’s weather bureau said the typhoon, packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometres (75 miles) per hour, was expected to make landfall on the west coast of Luzon—between La Union and Ilocos Sur—by Friday morning.

Speaking on the situation, President Ferdinand Marcos described the worsening weather conditions as part of the “new normal” brought on by climate change, urging Filipinos to adapt accordingly.

Around 70 domestic and international flights were cancelled Thursday, the Civil Aviation Authority reported. In addition, all classes across Luzon were suspended through Friday.

Earlier in the week, tens of thousands of residents were evacuated from flooded parts of Metro Manila, where waist-deep water submerged several communities. Rescue efforts were also underway in neighbouring provinces as streets turned into rivers, stranding many.

Images from Malabon and Manila showed children being pulled through floodwaters in makeshift boats, underscoring the widespread impact of the typhoon.