Impact of Typhoon Fung-wong on the Philippines
The aftermath of Typhoon Fung-wong has left a significant mark on the Philippines, with authorities issuing warnings about the potential for residual rains and flooding. At least four lives were lost, and over 1 million people have been displaced due to the storm’s impact.
Typhoon Fung-wong made its way through the Philippines, leaving behind a trail of destruction in the form of floods and landslides. The storm, which had sustained winds of up to 185 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 230 kph, made landfall on the coast of Aurora province on the main island of Luzon as a super typhoon. This powerful storm affected the northern part of the archipelago, causing widespread damage.
Entire villages were submerged, and many towns remained without electricity. On Monday, schools and government offices across Luzon, including the capital city of Manila, were closed. The typhoon was the largest to threaten the Philippines this year, spanning 1,800 kilometers (some 1,100 miles) in width.
This storm came on the heels of another devastating typhoon, Typhoon Kalmaegi, which had already caused extensive damage and claimed at least 224 lives. Authorities are now urging caution as the threat of heavy rain still looms over certain areas, even though the main force of the typhoon has passed.
Storm Heads Towards Taiwan
As the Philippines deals with the aftermath of Fung-wong, the storm is expected to move towards Taiwan. The populated west coast of Taiwan is anticipated to face significant impacts, while the mountainous east coast is likely to experience the heaviest rainfall.
More than 1.4 million people were displaced into emergency shelters or relatives’ homes before Fung-wong made landfall. As of Monday, over 300,000 individuals were still staying at evacuation centers.
According to forecasts, the typhoon’s winds were measured between 130 kph and 160 kph (80 mph to 100 mph). Taiwanese weather forecaster Stan Chang told AFP news agency that more than 350 millimetres (14 inches) of rain is expected in a 24-hour period across the region. In response, government officials have planned to evacuate some 5,000 people from three townships in the eastern county of Hualien.