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What was the initial strength of Typhoon Fung-wong?
Fung-wong started as a super typhoon in the Philippines, with wind speeds that caused severe flooding and injuries. It was powerful enough to displace over 1.4 million people and result in at least 27 deaths before weakening as it moved toward Taiwan.
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What are the risks for Taiwan as the storm approaches?
Despite weakening to a tropical storm, Fung-wong still poses risks such as heavy rain, flooding, and landslides in northeastern Taiwan. Authorities have issued warnings and evacuated thousands to minimize danger as the storm exits into the Pacific.
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How do authorities prepare for typhoons in the region?
Regional authorities typically evacuate vulnerable areas, close schools and offices, and issue weather warnings. In Taiwan, evacuations and closures are common, especially in areas prone to flooding and landslides, to protect residents from storm impacts.
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What’s the difference between a typhoon and a tropical storm?
The main difference lies in wind speed. A tropical storm has wind speeds between 39 and 73 mph, while a typhoon has winds exceeding 74 mph. Typhoons are more intense and can cause more damage, but both are part of the same storm category.
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How long does a storm like Fung-wong usually last?
Storms like Fung-wong typically last several days, with the most intense winds and rain occurring during the peak. As they weaken, they can still bring heavy rainfall and flooding for hours or even days after the storm's peak.
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Will Fung-wong affect other regions after Taiwan?
Once Fung-wong exits into the Pacific, it usually weakens further and moves away from land. However, its remnants can sometimes bring rain and wind to nearby areas, so monitoring weather updates is important for surrounding regions.