A powerful typhoon named Fung-wong made landfall on the northeastern coast of the Philippines, causing two fatalities and prompting over a million individuals to evacuate from areas prone to flooding and landslides. The storm hit Dinalungan town in Aurora province on Sunday night, bringing sustained winds of up to 185 km/h and gusts reaching 230 km/h after unleashing heavy rain and wind across northeastern Philippine provinces throughout the day.
Fung-wong, the most significant typhoon to threaten the Philippines this year, covered a vast area of the Southeast Asian archipelago with its 1,600-kilometre-wide rain and wind band. This occurred while the country was still reeling from the aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which caused extensive damage and claimed numerous lives in central island provinces before moving on to Vietnam.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency due to the devastation from Kalmaegi and the anticipated impact of Typhoon Fung-wong, known locally as Uwan. With sustained winds exceeding 185 km/h, Fung-wong was classified as a super typhoon, prompting the evacuation of over 916,860 people from high-risk areas in northeastern provinces, including Bicol.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasized the potential catastrophic effects of Fung-wong and urged residents to heed evacuation orders to avoid flash floods, landslides, and coastal surges. International assistance stands ready, with the United States and Japan offering support if needed.
As the storm approached, several towns experienced power outages, and preparations were made to shut down schools and government offices in northern provinces. The Red Cross set up evacuation centers and deployed resources to assist affected communities. The situation remains critical, with widespread power outages, blocked roads, and disrupted communication networks.
The Philippines, prone to frequent natural disasters, faces significant challenges in managing the impact of typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. The country’s disaster response agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens amid the ongoing crisis.
