MANILA: Filipinos on Sunday braced for the impact of Super Typhoon Fung-wong, the most powerful storm to hit the country this year, forcing the evacuation of more than a million people.
Called “Uwan” locally, Fung-wong has intensified into a super typhoon in the Western Pacific, with gusts up to 230 kph.
Office of Civil Defense deputy administrator Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV told reporters that more than 315,000 families, nearly 1.1 million people, were under evacuation orders in northern half of the country, including the capital Manila.
“We appeal to everyone to prepare your families, yourselves, and your belongings — be ready and stay safe from the hazards brought by Super Typhoon Uwan,” he said.
“The main threats from this typhoon are flooding, storm surges, and landslides. We are urging everyone to take these seriously and move to safe areas immediately if you are located in places designated as high-risk or known to be prone to these hazards.”
The worst affected and expecting the greatest damage is the Bicol Region at the southeastern tip of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, but the capital region is also on alert for its impact.
“We’re making sure that all our gadgets and emergency lights are fully charged, and that we have candles ready in case there’s a power outage. We’ve already done our grocery shopping in advance,” said Bernadette Garcia, who was preparing her family to stay indoors for the next two days at their home in Quezon City.
“What really worries me during typhoons are the trees. The trees around our area are tall, and it’s frightening to think that one could fall and hit the house. I’m praying nothing like that happens.”
Paloma Arrieta in Paranaque was taking precautions not only against the typhoon’s landfall but also against the expected aftermath, as floodwaters are likely to inundate the city.
“They say this typhoon is strong, so we really need to get ready. Our house is built on slightly higher ground — if the water inside reaches knee level, it means it’s already waist-deep outside,” she told Arab News,
“What really scares me during floods is the flooding itself. I’ve developed a phobia of it because I’ve fallen into a manhole twice before.”
Super Typhoon Fung-wong is hitting the country days after Typhoon Kalmaegi left at least 224 people dead.
Fung-wong arrives while many areas devastated by Kalmaegi are still in recovery, which heightens the risk of severe damage given the country’s limited capacity to respond.
This is the 21st tropical cyclone to arrive in the Philippines this year, and with the largest circulation — a diameter of between 1,400 and 1,600 km — its effects could cover huge portions of the country. Even areas not directly under the storm’s eye are likely to experience severe outcomes.
