Typhoon Matmo Adds to Philippines' Disaster Challenges

Typhoon Matmo blew into the northern Philippines on Friday, adding complexity to the nation's disaster response efforts in the wake of a deadly earthquake and recent storms.

As it entered Dinapigue town in Isabela province, Matmo carried winds up to 130 kph. Residents in certain flood and landslide-prone areas began evacuations, while schools shut down and ships were banned from sea travel.

Matmo, known locally as Paolo, is the 16th tropical disturbance impacting the area this year. The Southeast Asian nation, located on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," deals with around 20 typhoons annually, underscoring its vulnerability to environmental calamities.

(With inputs from agencies.)