Philippine authorities on Saturday warned of life-threatening storm surges, destructive winds, and widespread flooding as Typhoon Fung-wong, locally named Uwan, barrels toward the country’s eastern coast, expected to intensify into a super typhoon before making landfall on Sunday night.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the massive storm, spanning about 1,500 kilometers (932 miles), was already lashing parts of the eastern Philippines with heavy rains and strong winds.
“It can cover almost the entire country,” said PAGASA forecaster Benison Estareja, warning that the typhoon could reach maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (115 mph) with gusts of up to 230 kph (143 mph) before landfall.
At its current intensity of 140 kph sustained winds and 170 kph gusts, Fung-wong already poses a severe threat to coastal and low-lying communities.
Authorities warned that storm surges up to five meters (16 feet) could inundate coastal areas, particularly in the Bicol region and Eastern Samar, where rainfall totals could exceed 200 millimeters.
Northern and central Luzon are also forecast to receive 100–200 mm of rain during the storm’s passage, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides.
PAGASA urged residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate to higher ground, suspend all marine and fishing activities, and remain alert for government advisories.
Local governments have suspended classes for Monday, while Philippine Airlines has canceled several domestic and international flights in anticipation of severe weather.
The warning comes as the country is still reeling from Typhoon Kalmaegi, which devastated the region just days ago, killing 204 people in the Philippines and five in Vietnam, and displacing hundreds of thousands.
Kalmaegi’s floods destroyed homes, toppled trees, and knocked out power across wide areas, leaving about 500,000 people without electricity in Vietnam.
In neighboring Thailand, Kalmaegi’s remnants caused heavy rainfall and localized flooding in parts of the northeast and central regions.
Both the Philippines and Vietnam lie along the Pacific typhoon belt, making them highly vulnerable to increasingly powerful tropical cyclones.
Scientists warn that climate change is fueling stronger and more destructive storms in the region as global sea and air temperatures continue to rise.
Emergency services across the Philippines are on high alert as Fung-wong approaches, with authorities urging the public to take evacuation orders seriously and prepare for what could be one of the strongest storms of the year.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
