Super Typhoon Fung-wong leaves 2 dead in Philippines

Super Typhoon Fung-wong wreaked havoc in the Philippines, claiming at least two lives and displacing over a million residents as it approached the northeastern coast on Sunday. The typhoon, with a massive 1,800-kilometer-wide rain and wind band, threatened to engulf two-thirds of the Southeast Asian archipelago, according to meteorological forecasts. This disaster comes as the nation is still recovering from the aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which left 224 dead earlier in the week. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency in response to the dual crises. Fung-wong, packing winds of up to 185 km/h and gusts reaching 230 km/h, was expected to make landfall in Aurora or Isabela provinces by late Sunday or early Monday. Authorities have evacuated residents from high-risk areas, particularly in the Bicol region, known for its vulnerability to cyclones and volcanic mudflows. The storm has led to widespread disruptions, including the cancellation of hundreds of flights and the stranding of thousands at seaports. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasized the potential catastrophic impact of the typhoon, urging residents to heed evacuation orders. Despite these warnings, some residents remained in their homes, requiring emergency rescues. The Philippines, no stranger to extreme weather, continues to face significant challenges in disaster preparedness and response.