Typhoon Fung-wong's Impact on the Philippines
Typhoon Fung-wong departed the northwestern Philippines on Monday, after causing widespread flooding, landslides, and power outages. The weather event resulted in four fatalities and displaced over 1.4 million individuals. Forecasts indicate the typhoon is now moving northwest towards Taiwan.
Context of Recent Storms
This event occurred while the Philippines was still addressing the impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi. Kalmaegi had caused 224 deaths in the central provinces on the preceding Tuesday, before moving on to Vietnam where it led to five additional fatalities.
Typhoon Details and Damage Assessment
Fung-wong made landfall in the northeastern Aurora province on Sunday night. It was classified as a super typhoon, characterized by sustained winds of up to 185 kph (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 kph (143 mph). The storm weakened as it moved across mountainous northern provinces and agricultural plains overnight, eventually exiting the province of La Union into the South China Sea.
Reported casualties include:
- One drowning incident in flash floods in Catanduanes province.
- One fatality in Catbalogan city, Samar province, caused by a house collapse.
- Two children killed and their parents and a sibling injured in a landslide in Kayapa town, Nueva Vizcaya province.
Over 1.4 million people were evacuated to emergency shelters or relatives' homes prior to the typhoon's arrival. As of Monday, approximately 318,000 remained in evacuation centers. Flooding affected at least 132 northern villages, and approximately 1,000 houses sustained damage. Roads blocked by landslides are scheduled for clearance as weather conditions improve. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV of the Office of Civil Defense stated that residual rainfall continues to pose risks in northern Luzon, including metropolitan Manila, and confirmed ongoing rescue and relief operations.
Government Response and Preparedness
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive damage from Kalmaegi and the anticipated impact of Fung-wong (also locally known as Uwan). The Philippines categorizes tropical cyclones with sustained winds of 185 kph (115 mph) or higher as super typhoons to emphasize the urgency associated with such severe weather events. While the Philippines has not formally requested international aid, both the United States and Japan, long-term treaty allies, have indicated their readiness to provide assistance.
Authorities announced the closure of schools and most government offices for Monday and Tuesday. Over the weekend and into Monday, more than 325 domestic and 61 international flights were canceled. Additionally, over 6,600 commuters and cargo workers were stranded in ports after the coast guard prohibited maritime travel due to hazardous sea conditions.
Philippines' Vulnerability to Natural Disasters
The Philippines is situated in a region highly prone to natural disasters, experiencing approximately 20 typhoons and storms annually. The country is also frequently affected by earthquakes and hosts more than a dozen active volcanoes, contributing to its status as one of the world's most disaster-prone nations.