A recent typhoon striking the Philippines has resulted in the deaths of two individuals and the evacuation of over a million residents. Dubbed Super Typhoon Fong-wong, the storm made its impact felt in the eastern Bicol region on Sunday morning, prompting school closures and the cancellation of nearly 300 flights. With sustained winds reaching approximately 115mph and gusts of 143mph, the typhoon was upgraded to a super typhoon status.
The Philippine weather authority, PAGASA, has issued warnings of a significant risk of life-threatening storm surges with heights exceeding 10 feet. Locally known as ‘Uwan’, the storm is anticipated to hit the central or northern part of Aurora. Areas under a “red” warning level encompass Rizal, Metro Manila, Laguna, Bulacan, and Quezon, among others.
Following the landfall, the typhoon is projected to move through the mountainous region of Northern Luzon and emerge over Lingayen Gulf or the coastal waters of Pangasinan or La Union the next morning. The storm is expected to veer northward from Tuesday onwards while maintaining its typhoon classification. Subsequently, it is predicted to change its course towards the northeast, heading for the Taiwan Strait while losing intensity. The current forecast indicates that the typhoon will reach western Taiwan by Thursday.