Typhoon Fung-wong Strikes Philippines, Displacing 1.4 Million

Typhoon Fung-wong has left a significant impact on the northern regions of the Philippines, resulting in at least four fatalities and displacing more than 1.4 million people. The storm, which made landfall on December 10, 2023, wreaked havoc with flash floods and landslides, causing widespread destruction before moving northwest towards Taiwan.

The super typhoon, which recorded sustained winds of up to 185 kph (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 kph (143 mph), made landfall in Aurora province on Sunday evening. As it traversed the mountainous terrain, the storm weakened, but not before impacting a vast area. According to the state weather agency, the storm covered a width of 1,800 kilometers (1,100 miles).

Casualties included one individual who drowned in flash floods in the eastern province of Catanduanes and another victim in Catbalogan, where a house collapsed. In Nueva Vizcaya, two children died due to a landslide that buried their home in Kayapa town, injuring their parents and sibling, as reported by town police chief Major Len Gomultim.

In response to the threat posed by Fung-wong, over 1.4 million residents sought refuge in emergency shelters or with relatives before the storm hit. As of Monday, about 318,000 individuals remained in evacuation centers. The storm’s aftermath left at least 132 northern villages inundated, with some residents stranded on rooftops as floodwaters rose rapidly.

The Office of Civil Defense, represented by Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, reported that around 1,000 houses sustained damage. Roads blocked by landslides are being cleared as weather conditions improve. Alejandro cautioned, “While the typhoon has passed, its rains still pose a danger in certain areas” of northern Luzon, including metropolitan Manila. Efforts for rescue, relief, and disaster response operations are underway.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency on December 7 due to the widespread devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi and the anticipated impact of Fung-wong, also referred to as Uwan in the Philippines. The country, frequently affected by tropical cyclones, has not yet requested international assistance following the devastation from Kalmaegi. Nevertheless, the United States and Japan, longstanding allies, remain ready to provide support if necessary.

The impact of the typhoon extended to transportation, with over 325 domestic and 61 international flights canceled over the weekend and into Monday. The coast guard had prohibited ships from sailing due to rough seas, stranding more than 6,600 commuters and cargo workers at ports.

The Philippines experiences an average of 20 typhoons and storms annually, alongside frequent earthquakes and the presence of over a dozen active volcanoes, making it one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. The resilience of the Philippine people is continually tested by these natural disasters, highlighting the ongoing need for effective disaster preparedness and response strategies.