This year’s biggest typhoon in the Philippines, Phung-Wong, has started showing its impact on the north-eastern parts of the country on Sunday, even before hitting the coast, due to which power supply has come to a standstill and thousands of people had to move to safe places.
Fung-Wong has reached the Pacific Ocean area near the Philippines. The Philippines is already struggling with the effects of Typhoon Kalamegi, which has killed at least 204 people. Kalmegi has now reached Vietnam, where at least five people have lost their lives.
Philippine President Fernandez Marcos Jr. has declared a state of emergency due to the extensive damage caused by Kalamegi and the potential damage caused by Phung-Wong.
Winds are blowing with a speed of 185 kilometers per hour along Phung-Wong, which can further increase to 230 kilometers per hour. It is currently located about 125 kilometers from the town of Virac in the province of Catanduanes. Its effects are beginning to be felt in the province.
The storm is expected to hit the coast of Isabela province late Sunday or early Monday, according to government forecasters.
Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro of the Civil Protection Office said that due to the impact of Phung-Wong, many eastern towns and villages lost power.
About 50,000 families have been evacuated from high-risk villages in Bicol, the country’s northeastern coastal region.
Many domestic flights were canceled in the at-risk provinces, and more than 6,600 passengers and cargo workers were stranded in at least 86 ports. The Coast Guard has advised ships not to venture into the sea.