super typhoon Fung-wong Prompts Evacuations, Disrupts Travel Across the Philippines
MANILA, philippines – Authorities in the philippines are bracing for the impact of super Typhoon Fung-wong, which is bringing fierce winds and torrential rain to the eastern part of the country. Preemptive evacuations are underway in vulnerable areas prone to flash floods, landslides, and coastal surges, as officials warn of life-threatening conditions.
The approaching storm has already caused widespread disruption, with schools and government offices closed in northern provinces on monday and Tuesday. Over 325 domestic and 61 international flights have been canceled, stranding more than 6,600 passengers and cargo workers at over 100 seaports where the coast guard has prohibited sea travel. The Philippines, frequently battered by severe weather events, is particularly vulnerable due to its geography and is considered one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. urged residents to heed evacuation orders, stating, “We need to do this because when it’s already raining or the typhoon has hit and flooding has started, it’s hard to rescue people.” Authorities have issued warnings of a “high risk of life-threatening and damaging storm surge” exceeding 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) along the coasts of more than 20 provinces and regions, including metropolitan Manila.
while the Philippines has not requested international assistance, the United States and Japan have offered to provide aid. Several eastern towns and villages have already experienced power outages as Fung-wong nears. The country typically experiences around 20 typhoons and storms annually, in addition to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the nation in disaster preparedness and response.