Coastal Southeast Asian cities in danger of stronger typhoons due to climate change

Difficulty: Challenger (Level 2)

Typhoons in Southeast Asia are getting stronger and staying on land longer because of climate change. They are also forming closer to coasts.

A study said that cities near the coast are seeing very strong storms that are becoming more dangerous. These cities include Hai Phong in Vietnam and Bangkok in Thailand.

This is happening because global warming has made the ocean water hotter, which can strengthen storms and change their paths.

Benjamin Horton is one of the researchers of the study. He said that typhoons would absorb more water and heat from warmer oceans. When these typhoons reach land, they have stronger winds and heavier rain, and they cause more flooding.

More than 650 million people live along the coast in Southeast Asia. They are in danger from stronger typhoons.

People around the world need to reduce the pollution that causes global warming. Coastlines must also be protected so the people living near them are prepared for stronger storms.

Typhoon Yagi hit parts of Asia last month. It had strong wings of at least 203km/h (see graphic). It caused a lot of damage, especially in northern Vietnam and Thailand. Many farms and villages were under water, and there was a risk of landslides. Yagi was one of the year’s strongest storms.

Agence France-Presse

Sample answers

• Stop and think: Typhoons are becoming more dangerous because climate change is warming the oceans.

• Consider: We can reduce the pollution that causes global warming and protect people living near coastlines.