Tropical Storm Matmo Threatens Asia After Ragasa's Wrath

Tropical Storm Matmo is advancing towards the Philippines, with experts predicting it could strengthen into a typhoon threatening southern China this weekend. This comes shortly after Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the strongest storms in years, wreaked havoc in the region with devastating effects.

Currently, Matmo boasts maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and is tracking west-northwest toward Luzon at 22 kph. The Philippine weather agency has warned of a potential landfall in the provinces of southern Isabela or northern Aurora and forecasts a moderate risk of life-threatening storm surge in low-lying areas, advising against sea travel over the next 36 hours.

Forecasters from Hong Kong anticipate Matmo will progress into the South China Sea and escalate into a typhoon, bringing inclement weather to the financial hub over the weekend. The storm is predicted to continue toward the coastal areas of Guangdong province, a vital southern Chinese economic region, by Sunday, before eventually dissipating in Yunnan province the following week.

(With inputs from agencies.)