Philippines shuts schools, cancels flights amid Luzon typhoon flooding

The Philippines has shut down schools and cancelled around 70 domestic and international flights as Typhoon Co-May, upgraded from a tropical storm, and Tropical Storm Francisco bring heavy rains and strong winds to the northern island of Luzon. Typhoon Co-May, with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h, is expected to make landfall on the west coast in either La Union or Ilocos Sur, worsening flooding that has already displaced tens of thousands of residents in Manila and nearby provinces. Thousands remain unable to return home due to waist-deep floodwaters, and rescue teams warn that more evacuations may be necessary if the rains continue. President Ferdinand Marcos described this extreme weather as the "new normal," emphasizing the need for long-term planning and adaptation to climate change impacts. Meteorologists indicate that the two storms are not on a collision course, but emergency services remain on high alert, especially in flood-prone and low-lying areas. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to stay safe and prepare for further adverse weather conditions.