The Philippines is preparing for the impending arrival of Typhoon Fung-wong, also referred to as Uwan, shortly after another storm resulted in over 200 fatalities. The current storm is expected to strengthen into a super typhoon, forecasted to have sustained winds of at least 185 km/h (115 mph) before making landfall on Luzon on Sunday evening, local time.
The Philippine meteorological service (Pagasa) has cautioned that Fung-wong will bring not only high winds but also heavy rainfall and the possibility of dangerous storm surges. In response, several schools have opted to cancel classes for Monday or transition to online formats, and Philippine Airlines has announced numerous flight cancellations.
While the storm is predicted to weaken quickly after it strikes land, it may maintain typhoon status as it moves across Luzon. Initial reports indicate that eastern regions of the country are already experiencing significant rain and winds. Areas particularly at risk include Catanduanes, a small island off southern Luzon’s coast, where residents in low-lying and coastal zones have been advised to evacuate to higher ground before the storm arrives.
In light of recent events, evacuations are urged to be completed by Sunday morning to avoid risks associated with heavy rain and strong winds. The approach of Fung-wong has interrupted rescue operations following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which caused severe destruction, including mudslides and flash floods in residential areas, leading to the deaths of at least 204 individuals with more than 100 still unaccounted for.
The Philippine government has declared a state of calamity nationwide, granting agencies increased access to emergency funds and facilitating quick delivery of essential resources. Concerns among the population have escalated, particularly for those who have recently experienced flooding. Local residents express anxiety about their safety and the storm’s potential impact on their communities. The Philippines is frequently affected by tropical cyclones due to its geographical location, averaging around 20 such storms annually, with half affecting the country directly.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq509yj82y8o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss