SEA Games Events Rescheduled As Typhoon Kammuri Approaches


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We’re once again in the midst of the exciting and much anticipated SEA Games 2019, a competitive sports event across Southeast Asian countries where Singaporean athletes are also given the chance to showcase their skills and bring glory to our country.

For those of us who don’t really keep up with the latest news regarding this year’s SEA Games held in the Philippines, Team Singapore has already managed to secure three Gold medals, three Silver medals, and five Bronze medals, which isn’t an easy feat.

Good job to the athletes!

Image: Giphy

(There aren’t any holidays given for these wins, sadly, since the Government was already refusing to declare one when Joseph Schooling won Gold in the Olympics, unlike what Fiji did when their athlete clinched the country’s first Gold medal. Tsk.)

Unfortunately, this year’s happy SEA Games festival is about to face some setbacks, courtesy of Mother Nature.

Hello, Typhoon Kammuri

Typhoon Kammuri, which is travelling at speeds of up to 170 km/h and maximum sustained winds at 140 km/h, is a force not to be reckoned with.

On 2 and 3 December, Philippines’ Bicol region is expected to suffer from continuous heavy to intense rainfall, and people who live near coastal and low-lying areas where it is more prone to flash floods and landslides have been advised to evacuate as early as 30 November.

As of 1 November, more than 3,000 people have already been situated in evacuation centres, according to the province’s disaster management office.

However, a mandatory evacuation has not been called for although some schools and government offices will be closed over these two days in case of heavy rains.

Outdoor Events To Be Moved Or Cancelled

Just shortly before the opening ceremony, which was launched by President Rodrigo Duterte and famed boxer Manny Pacquiao, Typhoon Kammuri had already hit the country. I guess it wanted a part in welcoming the games as well…

There are various outdoor events in this year’s SEA Games, including duathlons and triathlons, which will be affected by the typhoon and may have to be moved or even cancelled in the worst possible situation.

Ramon Agregado of the SEA Games organising committee told AFP that the windsurfing event will have to be cancelled until they gain a more accurate picture of the weather.

As for the women’s triathlon event, it has been brought forward to 1 December in order to take advantage of the good weather. Duathlon events have also been rescheduled to 2 December from the original event date of 3 December.

He also said that the equipment at the outdoor venues, which will remain the same, may have to be dismantled and put back up if events are rescheduled to accommodate the bad weather.

It’s unfortunate that something uncontrollable like freak weather would affect the hard work the athletes and organising committee put in into making the SEA Games enjoyable for all. Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Here’s hoping that everyone affected by the typhoon in the Philippines will stay safe!


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