Typhoon Fung-wong Causes Devastation in the Philippines, Displaces 1.4 Million

Typhoon Fung-wong swept through the northwestern Philippines on September 25, 2023, resulting in at least four fatalities and displacing over 1.4 million people. The storm, which made landfall as a super typhoon with winds reaching up to 185 kph (115 mph), has led to widespread flooding and landslides across various provinces. The powerful system is now forecast to move northwest toward Taiwan.

Fung-wong struck the northeastern Aurora province on Sunday night, exacerbating the already dire situation following the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi. That storm had claimed at least 224 lives in central provinces before moving into Vietnam, where five additional fatalities were reported. As Fung-wong approached, authorities had prepared evacuation measures, with more than 1.4 million individuals relocating to emergency shelters or the homes of relatives.

Casualties and Damage Reports

Reports indicate that one individual drowned in flash floods in Catanduanes, while another died in Catbalogan city when her home collapsed. In the mountainous province of Nueva Vizcaya, a landslide occurred in Kayapa town, tragically burying a hut and resulting in the deaths of two children. Their parents and sibling suffered injuries in the incident, according to local police chief Maj. Len Gomultim.

The storm has also caused significant infrastructure damage. More than 1,000 homes have been reported damaged, and at least 132 northern villages experienced severe flooding. In some cases, residents found themselves trapped on rooftops as floodwaters surged. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV of the Office of Civil Defense noted that while the typhoon had passed, the lingering rains pose ongoing risks in northern Luzon and metropolitan Manila. “We’ll undertake rescue, relief, and disaster-response operations,” Alejandro stated.

Government Response and Preparedness

In light of the extensive devastation, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency on September 21, anticipating the impact of Fung-wong alongside the aftermath of Kalmaegi. Tropical cyclones with sustained winds exceeding 185 kph (115 mph) are classified as super typhoons in the Philippines, highlighting the urgency associated with these severe weather events.

Despite the destruction, the Philippines has not requested international assistance following Kalmaegi. Nonetheless, it has been reported that the United States and Japan, long-time allies, stand ready to provide support if needed. Local authorities announced the closure of schools and most government offices on September 25 and 26. Additionally, over 325 domestic flights and 61 international flights were canceled, stranding more than 6,600 commuters and cargo workers at ports due to the coast guard’s ban on ships navigating rough seas.

The Philippines faces an ongoing challenge with natural disasters, being struck by approximately 20 typhoons and storms each year. This vulnerability is compounded by frequent earthquakes and the presence of more than a dozen active volcanoes, solidifying its status as one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations. As recovery efforts begin, the focus remains on providing aid to those affected and restoring normalcy in the impacted regions.