PHNOM PENH, Nov 9 — The Philippines is experiencing one of its worst weather disasters this year, with Typhoon Fung-Wong expected to make landfall Sunday night, following the archipelago's encounter with 21 tropical cyclones so far.
The Philippines suffered its worst weather-related tragedy when Typhoon Haiyan struck the country on November 8, 2013, killing over 6,000 people.
The Southeast Asian nation, home to 115 million people, is still recovering from Typhoon Kalmaegi that struck a few days ago.
“The Philippines is frequently exposed to such (disasters) because we are surrounded by warm waters like the Pacific Ocean and Philippine Sea, which fuel low-pressure systems to develop as tropical cyclones.
“Fung-Wong is a major calamity because of its size (covering) 1,800 kilometres, super typhoon intensity and widespread impacts,” Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Weather Specialist Benison Estareja told Bernama from Manila today.
The agency has issued a warning of severe flooding and landslides due to the latest natural calamity, with the typhoon expected to drench areas across the country.
Earlier today, the Philippines News Agency reported that 224 people have lost their lives in the Typhoon Kalmaegi disaster.
After the Philippines, Typhoon Kalmaegi struck Vietnam’s central region on Friday (November 7), killing five people and destroying fishing vessels and properties.
Yesterday, Vietnam announced that initial damage from Typhoon Kalmaegi exceeded RM1 billion (US$268 million), local media reported.
As world leaders and climate scientists converge in Belém, Brazil, for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) from November 10 to November 21, Southeast Asian countries are facing severe weather hazards.
“Regional governments must highlight in the COP30 the worsening effects of climate change. The Philippines is the most disaster-prone country not just because of stronger disasters but also because of our vulnerability to hazards.
“Therefore, we need a climate change-adaptive and climate-resilient disaster management plan,” Estareja said.
Agrarian countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, are experiencing heavy rainfall this year that is damaging rice fields and infrastructure.
