At least six people have died after a super typhoon barrelled through the Philippines, mere days after an earlier storm left more than 200 people dead.
Super typhoon Fung-wong brought floods and landslides, which caused most of the deaths. It also cut power across entire provinces, weakening only after wreaking significant havoc.
Over 1.4 million people were evacuated ahead of the storm’s landfall, which is now en route to Taiwan. In Taiwan, evacuation measures are also underway for more than 3,000 residents.
Fung-wong was the 21st typhoon to hit the South East Asian nation this year, coinciding with ongoing recovery efforts from previous natural disasters.
The typhoon made landfall in Aurora province on Luzon, packing sustained winds of about 185 km/h (115 mph) and gusts of 230 km/h.
The Philippines' meteorological service had warned of destructive winds and hazardous storm surges from this intense typhoon. In areas like Cabanatuan, severely affected residents rushed to secure their belongings against rising water levels.
Reports indicate that around 4,100 houses suffered either total destruction or severe damage due to the storm's heavy rains.
As residents like Mercidita Adriano prepared for the storm by trimming trees, many sought shelter in cramped spaces, praying their homes would remain intact. With parts of roofs torn off, large regions continue to struggle with flooding.
Despite its winds not being the strongest in history, Fung-wong's rainfall posed significant challenges for the already vulnerable population. The ongoing series of disasters has raised alarms among aid organizations about the critical need for emergency support.
In light of this situation, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies emphasized the urgency of international assistance to aid in recovery and to prevent further loss of life.
