Philippines urges provincial officials to prepare for incoming storm

MANILA - The Philippines' Department of the Interior and Local Government on Thursday urged provincial officials to prepare for the incoming tropical storm Fung-wong, which would intensify into a super typhoon in the following days.

In a directive, the department urged all local government units (LGUs) to "brace for a potentially devastating super typhoon" a few days after Typhoon Kalmaegi killed over 140 people in the Philippines, with 127 more missing.

The department called on LGUs to clear waterways and drainage systems, inspect roads and bridges, and ensure evacuation centers are ready with adequate supplies.

Due to the impact of Kalmaegi and in anticipation of the following Fung-wong, Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on Thursday declared a state of national calamity.

The state weather bureau said in its latest advisory that Fung-wong may reach typhoon category by Friday and potentially super typhoon strength by Saturday. It is most likely to make landfall in northern or central Luzon on Monday, possibly at or near peak intensity.