Super Typhoon Fung-wong Threatens Philippines with Evacuations

Super Typhoon Fung-wong is currently threatening the Philippines, prompting nearly a million evacuations as the storm approaches the country's northeastern coast. The typhoon, known locally as Uwan, is the largest storm to impact the nation this year, with winds reaching up to 185 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 230 kilometers per hour.

According to NPR, the Philippine defense chief has warned residents in high-risk areas to evacuate before it's too late, as the storm could cover two-thirds of the archipelago with its extensive rain and wind bands.

More than 916 thousand people have been evacuated from vulnerable coastal regions, particularly in Bicol, an area prone to cyclones and volcanic mudflows from Mayon Volcano. In light of the devastation wrought by Typhoon Kalmaegi earlier this week, which left at least 224 people dead, the Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency.

As Fung-wong approaches, forecasters expect it to make landfall in either Aurora or Isabela province, impacting densely populated areas including metropolitan Manila. The Office of Civil Defense estimates that over 30 million people could be exposed to potential hazards from the typhoon.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has emphasized the urgency of following evacuation orders, stating that rescue efforts are complicated once the storm hits. The Philippines typically faces about 20 typhoons each year, but the scale of this storm has led authorities to preemptively shut down schools and government offices.

Additionally, over 325 domestic flights and 61 international flights have been canceled, and more than 6,600 individuals are stranded in various seaports due to prohibitions on travel amidst rough seas.

Though the Philippines has not requested international assistance following Kalmaegi, the United States and Japan stand ready to provide help as needed. Authorities are particularly concerned about the high risk of life-threatening storm surges, with waves potentially exceeding three meters along the coasts of more than 20 provinces, including the capital.

As the nation braces for Fung-wong, the situation highlights the ongoing challenges of disaster preparedness and response in one of the world's most disaster-prone countries.