Flood waters rise, Manila closes schools and offices tomorrow
(ANSA-AFP) – MANILA, 09 NOV – Nearly a million people were evacuated and flood waters rose today in the Philippines ahead of the expected arrival of Typhoon Fung-wong late at night on the east coast. Fung-wong is expected to bring wind and heavy rain to large parts of the archipelago. Schools and government offices have been ordered to close for tomorrow across the entire main island of Luzon, including the capital Manila, where nearly 300 flights have been canceled so far. Catanduanes, a small island that the state weather service said was “directly affected,” was hit by wind and rain in the early hours of this morning.
In total, 916,863 people have been evacuated so far, a senior Civil Protection official, Rafaelito Alejandro, said during a press conference, while wind gusts of up to 230 km/h are expected from tonight to Monday.
In Catanduanes, storm surges overwhelmed roads along the coast and floods reached some areas. “As we speak, they are feeling the impact of the typhoon, especially in Catanduanes, because the eye of the storm is closer there,” the official added. (ANSA-AFP).
