Southeast Asia is experiencing a year marked by extreme weather, with experts indicating that the ongoing storm season could be one of the most intense in recent years. Special correspondent Patrick Fok reports from Singapore on how the El Niño climate pattern may contribute to more severe conditions in the coming months.
A sudden gush of water floods the chamber. Young individuals dressed in protective gear are hanging on during a simulated experience at the Lvxing Disaster Training Center in Eastern China, where they prepare for real dangers associated with extreme weather.
Liu Zihao, Manager of the Lvxing Disaster Simulation Training Center, stated through an interpreter that many people lack prior experience and understanding of disasters, which can lead to panic and loss of control during such events.
The center, which opened just over a year ago, trains participants on how to navigate typhoon-force winds, flash flooding, and rescue operations. China has faced numerous severe storms recently, including a rare atmospheric pattern that saw four tropical cyclones occurring simultaneously across the Northwest Pacific and South China Sea, contributing to weeks of extreme weather.
One of the most powerful storms, Typhoon Dolphin, impacted Southern Japan and the Philippines before reaching China's east coast with heavy rainfall. More than one million people were evacuated from at-risk areas. Dolphin was notable not only for its strength but also for its duration, lasting 16 days and traveling nearly 4,000 miles across the Asia-Pacific.
Forecasters predict that typhoon activity this season could exceed the historical average by 60 percent. Concerns are mounting regarding the potential impacts of the developing El Niño, which is known to disrupt weather patterns. Some scientists are investigating how climate change may alter the effects of El Niño.
Theodore Keeping, a Climate Scientist at Imperial College, noted that if an El Niño event occurs, climate change could lead to more extreme weather patterns than historically observed, including increased heat extremes, heavy rainfall, and droughts.
The consequences of these weather patterns have been significant across Asia. In Hong Kong, Typhoon Dolphin coincided with a record heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm's circulation suppressed rainfall, leading to hot, dry air over the city. Ng Sui Ying, a 67-year-old cleaner, described her experience working in the heat, stating through an interpreter, "It's very hot. What can you do? This is the job. For some people, it's even more grueling. This is what it's like when you're poor."
Hong Kong has a three-tier heat stress at work warning system to alert employers about dangerous conditions, but the guidelines are not legally binding. Ivan Lin from the Society For Community Organization expressed the hope that these recommendations could be made law to provide better protection for frontline workers.
In the Western Philippine island of Palawan, farmers like Reneeboy Pocmabuan are preparing rice seedlings ahead of the worsening typhoon season. Severe storms can flood fields, leading to crop loss if submerged for extended periods. Reneeboy stated through an interpreter, "Of course, we are scared we won't have enough rice to feed ourselves. So it's important we harvest before the storms come."
Concerns extend beyond agriculture, as rising fuel and transport costs, exacerbated by conflicts in the Middle East, could further pressure food prices and the economy. The Philippine government reported that a series of severe storms last year resulted in a 4.4 percent economic growth rate for 2025, marking the country's weakest performance since the COVID pandemic. This trend is evident across the region, with extreme weather this year costing Asian economies tens of billions of dollars.
For farmers like Reneeboy, the storm season involves careful calculations regarding planting, harvesting, and risk management. Millions across Asia are facing similar uncertainties as the next storm approaches.
For the "PBS News Hour," I’m Patrick Fok reporting from Singapore.