More than 1 million people have been evacuated in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Fung-wong approaches the east coast, bringing heavy rains and strong winds. At least two fatalities have been reported as floodwaters rise in affected areas. The storm follows the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which recently claimed at least 224 lives and left 135 missing.

Evacuations and Fatalities
The civil defense office confirmed that over 1.2 million individuals were preemptively evacuated across the country. The typhoon, known locally as Uwan, made landfall on Sunday night, with sustained winds reaching 185 km/h and gusts up to 230 km/h. One victim, a 64-year-old woman, drowned in Catanduanes while attempting to evacuate her home. Rescuer Juniel Tagarino recounted the challenges faced during the rescue efforts, highlighting the dangers posed by the storm.

Preparation and Response
In anticipation of the typhoon, schools and government offices across Luzon, including Manila, were ordered to close. Nearly 300 flights were canceled as authorities aimed to minimize risks to civilians and emergency personnel. Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro emphasized the importance of obeying evacuation orders, urging residents in the storm's path to leave their homes to avoid last-minute rescues that could endanger lives.

Impact on Communities
As the storm approached, communities began to feel its effects. In Catanduanes, where the eye of the storm was expected to make landfall, residents reported rising floodwaters and powerful winds. Local government worker Aries Ora described boarding up his home, expressing concern about the nighttime landfall, which would obscure visibility of the storm's impact. The situation has raised fears among residents who are accustomed to typhoons but recognize the unique threats posed by Fung-wong.

Ongoing Challenges
Search and rescue efforts for those missing from Typhoon Kalmaegi were suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers. The civil defense authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with Rafaelito Alejandro, a deputy administrator, noting that the immediate focus is on ensuring the safety of those in the storm's path.

Wrap-up
Super Typhoon Fung-wong has prompted extensive evacuations and heightened fears of flooding and destruction in the Philippines. As communities brace for the storm's impact, authorities are working diligently to protect lives and mitigate the disaster's effects.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team