More than 100,000 individuals have been evacuated from eastern and northern regions of the Philippines as Super Typhoon Fung-wong intensified on Sunday, packing winds of 185 km/h and gusts reaching 230 km/h. The storm is expected to bring torrential rain, destructive winds, and significant storm surges as it approaches the country.

Evacuations and Preparations
The Philippine government has raised storm alert signals across various regions, with parts of Eastern Visayas already experiencing power outages. Over 300 domestic and international flights have been canceled in anticipation of the storm's impact. In coastal Aurora province, where Fung-wong is projected to make landfall late Sunday or early Monday, rescuers are going door-to-door, urging residents to move to higher ground to avoid flooding.

Impact of Previous Storm
This latest storm follows closely on the heels of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which recently devastated the Philippines, resulting in 204 fatalities and significant destruction before moving to Vietnam, where it caused five additional deaths. Rescue official Myrra Daven confirmed that the ongoing search and rescue operations for missing persons in the province, which suffered the majority of Kalmaegi's casualties, have been temporarily suspended due to the impending storm.

Flooding and Climate Concerns
Meteorologists predict that Fung-wong could deliver over 200 mm of rain, raising concerns about potential flooding and overflow in major river basins. Benison Estareja, a government meteorologist, emphasized the dangers posed by the storm, stating that the heavy rainfall could lead to widespread flooding. Scientists have noted that the increasing intensity of storms like Fung-wong can be attributed to climate change, as warmer ocean temperatures allow typhoons to strengthen rapidly and a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, resulting in heavier rainfall.

Safety Measures and Future Outlook
Authorities are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of residents and rescuers. Daven highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety, stating, "We cannot risk the safety of our rescuers. We don’t want them to be the next casualties." As the storm approaches, the government is focused on ensuring the well-being of those affected and preparing for the potential aftermath of Fung-wong.

Wrap-up
Super Typhoon Fung-wong is poised to impact the Philippines severely, with extensive evacuations underway and preparations in place to mitigate the storm's effects. The recent history of devastating storms underscores the urgent need to address the challenges posed by climate change and its role in increasing the frequency and intensity of such natural disasters.

Sources
theguardian.com
reuters.com
afp.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team