Super Typhoon Fung-wong Slams Philippines Forcing Mass Evacuations

Super Typhoon Fung-wong, known locally as Uwan, tore through the northeastern coast of the Philippines on Sunday, unleashing powerful winds and torrential rain that forced more than a million residents to flee their homes. The storm left at least two people dead and widespread flooding across multiple provinces, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The typhoon’s massive rain and wind band, spanning over 1,100 miles, covered nearly two-thirds of the archipelago as it advanced from the Pacific Ocean. Its arrival came just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi devastated the central Philippines, killing more than 220 people before striking Vietnam. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency due to the extensive damage already caused by Kalmaegi and the looming impact of Fung-wong.

Deadly Flooding and Mass Evacuations

Fung-wong packed sustained winds of up to 185 kilometers per hour (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 kph (143 mph). It hovered near the coastal waters of Pandan in Catanduanes province before moving northwest toward Aurora and Isabela, where landfall was expected late Sunday or early Monday. The storm brought blinding rain and fog that reduced visibility to nearly zero, officials said.

Local disaster officer Roberto Monterola described the situation as “chaotic” as rescuers scrambled to save people trapped by flash floods. “The rain and wind were so strong there was nearly zero visibility,” Monterola told reporters. He said emergency personnel rescued 14 people stranded on a rooftop and another family whose house was nearly torn apart by the storm.

Despite repeated evacuation warnings, some residents refused to leave, forcing emergency crews to carry out rescue missions in dangerous conditions. A villager drowned in Catanduanes, while another person died in Samar province after being struck by debris.

Over a million people were evacuated from high-risk coastal towns across Bicol and other northeastern regions prone to landslides and tidal surges. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. warned that the storm’s wide reach could impact more than 30 million people, including residents in Cebu and the capital, Manila. “We need to move people now,” Teodoro said during a press briefing. “Once flooding starts, it becomes nearly impossible to conduct rescues safely.”

Disruptions Across the Country

As the super typhoon made its way inland, several provinces lost power, and widespread travel disruptions followed. Authorities shut down schools and government offices in northern and central regions, while the Philippine Coast Guard suspended sea travel, leaving more than 6,000 commuters and cargo workers stranded at ports. Airlines canceled at least 325 domestic and 61 international flights as heavy winds made conditions unsafe for travel.

The Office of Civil Defense warned of “life-threatening” storm surges of up to 10 feet along the eastern coastline, including parts of metropolitan Manila. Officials said coastal flooding could worsen in more than 20 provinces as the storm pushed seawater inland.

The Philippines experiences roughly 20 typhoons every year and remains one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Along with frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, the country faces an increasing threat from stronger and more erratic tropical storms.

While the government has not yet requested international assistance, both Japan and the United States have expressed readiness to provide emergency aid. As the storm continues to move northwest, authorities are urging residents to stay alert, avoid flood-prone areas, and prepare for potential aftereffects in the coming days.