Typhoon Fung-wong Moves Away From Philippines; 4 Dead and 1.4 Million Displaced as Storm Heads Toward Taiwan

Typhoon Fung-wong moves away from Philippines after causing widespread damage

Typhoon Fung-wong exited the northwestern Philippines on Monday after triggering widespread floods, landslides and power outages that left at least four people dead and forced more than 1.4 million residents into evacuation centers, officials said. The storm made landfall late Sunday in northeastern Aurora province as a super typhoon with sustained winds up to 185 kph (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 kph (143 mph).

Fung-wong battered northern areas while communities were still recovering from Typhoon Kalmaegi, which earlier devastated central provinces and was blamed for at least 224 deaths in the Philippines before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed at least five people. Forecasts showed Fung-wong tracking northwest toward Taiwan.

Entire provinces experienced power outages as heavy rain and strong winds downed lines and blocked roads with mudslides and debris. Emergency shelters and evacuation centers reported high occupancy, and local authorities coordinated evacuations, search-and-rescue efforts and damage assessments. Utility and relief crews were reported to be mobilizing to restore services and deliver aid, though officials warned that persistent rain and unstable slopes could hamper recovery operations.

Humanitarian concerns: Officials urged displaced families to seek shelter in designated centers and warned of continued risks from flash floods and landslides. Relief agencies highlighted the immediate needs for food, clean water, medical care and temporary housing for affected communities.

Note: All casualty and displacement figures are based on official reports available at publication time and may be revised as assessments continue.

Source: Associated Press