Manila [Philippines], November 9 (ANI): As the Philippines braces for Super Typhoon Fung-Wong, authorities have evacuated hundreds of families ahead of life-threatening winds and coastal flooding expected tonight. The typhoon, locally named Uwan, follows the devastation of Typhoon Kalaegi, which claimed over 200 lives last week.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that Fung-Wong could bring violent winds, torrential rains, and storm surges up to three meters high. The super typhoon struck the eastern coast with maximum sustained winds of 205 km/h and gusts reaching 250 km/h, causing flooding and coastal inundation in Catanduanes and nearby provinces. It is forecast to make landfall over southern Isabela or northern Aurora late Sunday or early Monday.
Signal No. 5, the highest typhoon warning level, has been issued for southeastern Luzon, including Catanduanes and coastal areas of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. Signal No. 3 alerts cover Metro Manila and surrounding areas, PNA reported.
The Philippine National Police confirmed that all police units nationwide are fully prepared to respond to emergencies and provide assistance to affected communities. Currently, 996 evacuation centers are sheltering more than 102,000 families, or approximately 319,000 individuals, across the impacted regions, according to the Philippines News Agency.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a state of emergency on Thursday, which remains in effect, enabling faster access to calamity funds, imposing price controls on essential goods, and streamlining relief operations, as recommended by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
Local media reported knee-deep floods in parts of Virac, Catanduanes. Government offices are suspended on Monday in the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, and VIII.
The declaration aims to ensure timely response and protection for communities vulnerable to the impending super typhoon. (ANI)
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