The death toll from Typhoon Kalmaegi in the Philippines has tragically climbed to 204, with 109 individuals still reported missing. As the nation grapples with the aftermath, it now faces the impending threat of another powerful storm, Typhoon Fung-Wong, which is expected to bring further devastation.
Nearly three million people were impacted by Kalmaegi, which unleashed some of the worst flooding in years and triggered landslides across central provinces. With many residents still recovering from the destruction, authorities are urging storm-weary communities to prepare for additional torrential rain and hazardous conditions.
Fung-Wong on Course for the Philippines
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued warnings of life-threatening storm surges, reaching heights of up to five metres, as Fung-Wong approaches the eastern coast. This typhoon is anticipated to intensify into a super typhoon prior to making landfall on the night of October 29, 2023, or early on October 30, likely in the northern Aurora Province.
Fung-Wong’s expansive circulation spans approximately 1,500 km, already affecting parts of eastern Philippines with heavy rainfall and strong winds. PAGASA weather forecaster Benison Estareja stated, “It can cover almost the entire country.” Currently, Fung-Wong is packing maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h with gusts up to 170 km/h, and it could intensify further to 185 km/h as it nears land.
Forecasts suggest that up to 200 mm of rainfall may occur in eastern provinces, particularly in the Bicol region and parts of Samar, escalating the risk of widespread flooding and landslides. Northern and central Luzon could also see 100-200 mm of rainfall during Fung-Wong’s passage, heightening concerns for communities already suffering from the aftereffects of Kalmaegi.
Evacuations and Preparations Underway
PAGASA has called for residents in low-lying and coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground and has advised halting all marine activities ahead of the storm. Several local governments have proactively suspended classes for Monday, while the Philippines’ flag carrier has cancelled multiple flights in anticipation of Fung-Wong’s landfall.
The warnings come just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi inflicted extensive damage across the region, destroying homes, downing trees, and ripping roofs off buildings. The typhoon claimed the lives of over 200 people in the Philippines and five in Vietnam, displacing hundreds of thousands and causing widespread power outages.
In Vietnam, reports indicate that nearly 2,800 homes suffered damage, leaving approximately 500,000 individuals without electricity. In the Philippines, flooding caused homes to be destroyed and streets to become cluttered with debris, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by communities in the region.
Both Vietnam and the Philippines are notably vulnerable to tropical storms and typhoons, located along the Pacific typhoon belt, where they regularly endure damage and casualties during peak storm seasons. The lingering effects of Kalmaegi have also resulted in heavy rain and localized flooding in parts of northeast and central Thailand.
As climate scientists warn that storms like Kalmaegi are becoming increasingly powerful due to rising global temperatures, the urgency for effective disaster preparedness and resilience in the region continues to grow.
