At least 18 individuals lost their lives following the impact of a typhoon in the Philippines on Monday, leading to over one million people being forced out of their residences.
The powerful Typhoon Fung-wong, known locally as ‘Uwan’, made landfall on the island on Sunday night and then proceeded across the South China Sea towards Taiwan, where it is anticipated to hit on Thursday, as per the Associated Press.
Fung-wong has caused the displacement of more than 1.4 million individuals as it tore through the northern part of the country, resulting in floods, power blackouts, and landslides.
According to the Philippines’ weather bureau, PAGASA, in a statement issued on Tuesday at 11 am local time, the typhoon sustained winds of 110 km/h near its center with gusts reaching up to 135 km/h.
The weather agency highlighted that mountainous regions might experience heavier rainfall on Tuesday. The country, prone to natural calamities, is still recovering from the catastrophic impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi last week, which claimed over 200 lives.
Earlier this week, authorities announced the closure of schools and most government offices on Monday and Tuesday. Furthermore, more than 325 domestic and 61 international flights were canceled from the weekend through Monday, and over 6,600 commuters and cargo workers were left stranded in ports due to the coast guard’s restriction on ships entering rough waters.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr of the Philippines declared a state of emergency on Thursday owing to the extensive destruction caused by Kalmaegi and the expected aftermath of Fung-wong, also known as Uwan in the Philippines.
