Super Typhoon Fung-wong has weakened in the Philippines, leaving four people dead and prompting authorities to assess the damage caused by the storm. The typhoon made landfall on Sunday, affecting millions on Luzon, the country’s most populous island. Although initial reports indicate no major destruction, the impact of Fung-wong’s strong winds and heavy rains has raised concerns among residents.
Prior to the storm’s arrival, over one million people were evacuated from vulnerable areas. Many took refuge in emergency shelters, with some residents experiencing sleepless nights due to the ferocity of the winds. Romeo Mariano, who sheltered with his grandmother in Isabela province, described the harrowing experience: “We could not sleep because of the winds hitting our metal sheets and tree branches falling. When we got out to check our home, we saw the damage.”
Casualties and Damage Reports
Early assessments suggest that the death toll may remain low, according to civil defense senior official Raffy Alejandro. In a media briefing on Monday, he stated that “the tally of dead will be minimal.” Tragically, two children lost their lives in a mudslide that buried their home in Kayapa, located in Nueva Vizcaya. Additionally, there were reports of two more fatalities linked to drowning and falling debris.
Landslides triggered by Fung-wong have also isolated at least four towns in Aurora, where the storm made landfall. The storm, categorized as a typhoon, has seen its wind speeds decrease to between 130 km/h and 160 km/h as it progresses northeast towards Taiwan. Despite the reduced intensity, the outer bands of Fung-wong continue to pose risks, including heavy rainfall and storm surges in coastal regions.
Future Forecasts and Preparations
Fung-wong is projected to reach Taiwan’s densely populated west coast on Wednesday, with the heaviest rainfall expected along the mountainous east coast. This area has previously seen devastating flooding, with 18 fatalities reported in September due to another typhoon. In light of these forecasts, Taiwanese authorities have already initiated evacuation orders in Guangfu, a town that suffered significant damage in prior storms.
The Philippines has experienced a challenging typhoon season, with Fung-wong being the 21st storm of the year. This follows the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which resulted in 224 deaths in the Philippines and five fatalities in Vietnam. As the region recovers and prepares for further storms, authorities remain vigilant in monitoring the evolving situation.
