Typhoon Fung-wong Devastates Philippines: 4 Dead, 1.4 Million Displaced

Typhoon Fung-wong has left a devastating impact on the Philippines, resulting in four confirmed deaths and displacing over 1.4 million people. According to NPR, the typhoon, which made landfall as a super typhoon with sustained winds of up to 185 kilometers per hour, struck the northeastern province of Aurora on Sunday night. As it moved across the northern Philippines, it triggered severe floods and landslides, ultimately knocking out power in entire provinces. The Philippine Coast Guard reported that the storm has now moved into the South China Sea, but the aftereffects continue to pose risks, as rain still threatens areas like northern Luzon and metropolitan Manila.

Officials reported that among the casualties, one person drowned in flash floods in Catanduanes, while another died when her house collapsed in Catbalogan city, eastern Samar. Tragically, a landslide in Nueva Vizcaya buried a hillside hut, claiming the lives of two children and injuring their family members, as detailed by local police chief Maj. Len Gomultim. In total, over 318,000 people sought refuge in evacuation centers, with many more displaced and staying with relatives prior to the storm's arrival. The storm flooded at least 132 villages, trapping residents on rooftops as floodwaters rose rapidly. Approximately 1,000 houses were reported damaged, and recovery efforts are underway as the weather improves.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of emergency in light of the extensive devastation wrought not only by Fung-wong but also by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which had previously caused significant destruction in the region. The Philippines is known for being a disaster-prone nation, facing about 20 typhoons annually along with frequent earthquakes and active volcanoes. The government has not sought international aid following the devastation from Kalmaegi, but officials have mentioned readiness for assistance from the United States and Japan if needed, as noted in the NPR report. In the wake of the storm, schools and government offices were closed, and travel disruptions were widespread, with hundreds of flights canceled and thousands stranded at ports due to rough sea conditions. Rescue and relief operations are being prioritized as the country grapples with the immediate impacts of this catastrophic weather event.