Journalism of Courage
As Philippines witnessed over 200 deaths due to Typhoon Kalmaegi last week, the country braced for another typhoon as administration evacuated over 100,000 residents across the country’s eastern and northern regions as the incoming Fung-wong typhoon intensified into a super typhoon ahead of its arrival on Sunday, as it threatens torrential rains, storm surges and destructive winds, Reuters reported.
Ahead of super typhoon Fung-wong’s arrival later in the day, the administration has issued storm alert signals across large part of Philippines and the Signal No 5, which is the highest level of warning, has been issued over southeastern Luzon, including Catanduanes and coastal areas of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. A Signal No 3 alert has been issued for Metro Manila and surrounding areas.
Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which is locally being referred to as Uwan, has packed a wind speed of 185 kmph and gusts up to 230 kmph and it is forecast to make a landfall in Aurora province in central Luzon on Sunday night, reports stated. Power outages have been reported from parts of Eastern Visayas in the Philippines.
Philippine Coast Guard shared a few images where evacuees in Camarines Sur could be seen carrying bags and personal belongings. As per civil aviation regulator, more than 300 flights have been cancelled in the Philippines due to alerts issued for the on-set of the super typhoon and weather changing drastically.
The death toll in Philippines due to Typhoon Kalmaegi stood at 204, while 109 were missing, the Philippines Office of Civil Defense said, adding that more than half a million people were displaced. The city of Cebu alone witnessed 141 deaths, mostly due to flooding, AP reported.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency in the country on Thursday, which still remains in effect as another typhoon approaches for landfall on Sunday night.
(with inputs from agencies)
