Typhoon Fung-wong exited the northwestern Philippines on Monday after causing floods and landslides, leading to power outages in entire provinces. The storm resulted in at least eight fatalities and displaced over 1.4 million individuals. It is anticipated to move northwest towards Taiwan.
Fung-wong struck the northern Philippines amidst recovery efforts from Typhoon Kalmaegi’s aftermath, which claimed 224 lives in central provinces before hitting Vietnam, causing five deaths. The super typhoon made landfall in northeastern Aurora province on Sunday night with sustained winds up to 185 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 230 kilometers per hour.
As it traversed mountainous northern provinces and agricultural plains, the storm weakened before heading towards the South China Sea. Tragic incidents included a drowning in flash floods in Catanduanes, a fatality due to a collapsed house in Catbalogan city, and multiple deaths from landslides in Nueva Vizcaya and other provinces.
Over 1.4 million people sought refuge in emergency shelters or with relatives before the typhoon hit, with about 318,000 still in evacuation centers. Extensive damage was reported, with flooding affecting 132 villages and causing house damages. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Tropical cyclones with winds exceeding 185 kilometers per hour are classified as super typhoons in the Philippines. Despite the devastation, international aid has not been requested. However, the United States and Japan have expressed readiness to assist. School closures, flight cancellations, and stranded commuters were reported, with rough seas leading to port restrictions.
The Philippines, known for its susceptibility to natural disasters, experiences around 20 typhoons annually along with seismic activities and active volcanoes, making it one of the most disaster-prone countries globally.
