Typhoon Fung-wong approaches Taiwan after displacing 1.4M in Philippines
What's the story
Typhoon Fung-wong has exited the northwestern Philippines after wreaking havoc on the northeastern coast. The storm, which was the largest to hit the country this year, caused floods and landslides, leaving at least two dead and displacing over 1.4 million people. The typhoon made landfall in Aurora province on Sunday night as a super typhoon with winds of up to 185km/h and gusts reaching 230km/h.
Damage report
Typhoon heads toward Taiwan after wreaking havoc in Philippines
The storm knocked out power in entire provinces and damaged around 1,000 houses. It also flooded at least 132 northern villages, according to Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV of the Office of Civil Defense and other officials, as per Associated Press. One person drowned in Catanduanes due to flash floods, while another was killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar. The typhoon is now expected to head northwest toward Taiwan after moving through mountainous northern provinces and agricultural plains.
Relief efforts
Over 318,000 people still in evacuation centers
More than 1.4 million people were evacuated before the typhoon made landfall, with around 318,000 still in evacuation centers on Monday. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a state of emergency due to the extensive damage from both Typhoon Kalmaegi and Fung-wong. Rescue and disaster-response operations are underway in areas still threatened by heavy rains from the storm.
Travel chaos
Transportation, flights canceled due to storm
The storm also disrupted transportation, with schools and most government offices closed on Monday and Tuesday. Over 325 domestic flights were canceled, along with 61 international flights. More than 6,600 travelers were stranded at ports as the coast guard barred ships from sailing due to rough seas. Despite the devastation caused by Kalmaegi and Fung-wong, the Philippines hasn't sought international help yet, but both the United States and Japan are ready to assist if needed.
Taiwan
Impact on Taiwan
Taiwan's northern and eastern parts of the island are expected to experience heavy rainfall from Monday night as the storm approaches, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA), which has prompted authorities to shut schools and offices. Landslide alerts have been issued for several villages in Guangfu Township, including Dama, Daping, Dongfu, Datong, Daan, Dahua, and Beifu, as well as Fenglin and Wanrung townships, Focus Taiwan reported.