PHILIPPINES: Authorities in the Philippines evacuated more than 100,000 residents across the eastern and northern regions on Sunday as Fung-wong escalated into a super typhoon ahead of its anticipated landfall, bringing the threat of heavy rains, destructive winds, and storm surges.
Storm warning signals have been issued across much of the country. The highest alert, Signal No. 5, has been raised for southeastern Luzon, including Catanduanes and coastal areas of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, while Metro Manila and neighboring provinces are under Signal No. 3.
Super Typhoon Fung-wong, locally called Uwan, carries sustained winds of 185 kph (115 mph) with gusts reaching 230 kph. It is expected to make landfall in Aurora province in central Luzon as early as Sunday night.
Power outages have already been reported in parts of Eastern Visayas. Images shared by the Philippine Coast Guard from Camarines Sur showed evacuees carrying their belongings as they moved from narrow passenger boats to waiting trucks during precautionary evacuations.
The civil aviation authority confirmed that over 300 domestic and international flights have been canceled. Videos posted by ABS-CBN News showed stormy conditions in Catanduanes, with strong winds bending tree branches and heavy rain lashing the area.
Fung-wong comes just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi hit the country, leaving 204 dead and widespread damage before striking Vietnam, where it claimed five more lives and devastated coastal communities. In central Vietnam’s Vung Cheo fishing village, wrecked fishing boats littered the streets, and hundreds of lobster farms were damaged or destroyed.
(Inputs from Reuters)
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