At least 18 individuals lost their lives in the Philippines as a result of a typhoon that hit the region on Monday, leading to over one million people being displaced from their residences.
The powerful typhoon, known locally as ‘Uwan’ and globally as Super Typhoon Fung-wong, made landfall on the island on Sunday night before moving across the South China Sea towards Taiwan, where it is anticipated to arrive on Thursday, as reported by the Associated Press.
Fung-wong has forced more than 1.4 million residents to evacuate after sweeping through the northern areas of the country, causing floods, power failures, and landslides in its aftermath.
According to the Philippine weather service, PAGASA, the typhoon maintained winds of 110 km/h near its center and gusts reaching up to 135 km/h, based on a statement released at 11 am local time on Tuesday.
The weather service warned of potential heavy rainfall in mountainous regions on Tuesday. The nation, susceptible to natural calamities, is still recovering from the severe impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi last week, which claimed over 200 lives.
Authorities had previously announced the closure of schools and most government offices on Monday and Tuesday. More than 325 domestic and 61 international flights were canceled over the weekend and on Monday, with over 6,600 commuters and cargo personnel stranded in ports due to the coast guard prohibiting ships from navigating through rough seas.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr of the Philippines declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive destruction caused by Kalmaegi and the projected impact of Fung-wong, also known as Uwan in the Philippines.