Super Typhoon Fung-wong made landfall on the northeastern coast of the Philippines on Sunday, causing two fatalities and prompting over a million individuals to evacuate from areas susceptible to flooding and landslides. The typhoon hit Dinalungan town in Aurora province on Sunday night, bringing powerful winds of up to 185 km/h and gusts reaching 230 km/h after unleashing heavy rain and wind across northeastern provinces throughout the day.
This storm, which spans 1,600 kilometers wide, is the largest to threaten the Philippines this year, covering a significant portion of the Southeast Asian archipelago. Fung-wong arrived as the country was still recovering from the aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which claimed the lives of at least 224 people in central island provinces before moving on to Vietnam.
In response to the extensive damage caused by Kalmaegi and the anticipated impact of Fung-wong, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency. The super typhoon was identified by government forecasters over coastal waters near Pandan in eastern Catanduanes province before noon on Sunday, as torrential rains and fog hampered visibility.
With sustained winds exceeding 185 km/h, Fung-wong falls under the classification of a super typhoon in the Philippines. Over 916,860 individuals were evacuated from high-risk areas in northeastern provinces, including Bicol, known for its vulnerability to cyclones and mudflows from the active Mayon volcano.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasized the potentially catastrophic impact of Fung-wong and urged residents to comply with evacuation orders to mitigate risks of flash floods, landslides, and coastal surges. The Office of Civil Defence estimated that more than 30 million people could face hazards from the super typhoon.
While the Philippines has not requested international aid following the devastation of Kalmaegi, Teodoro mentioned that the United States and Japan are prepared to offer assistance. Local Red Cross chapters have established over 500 evacuation centers, accommodating nearly 21,000 families.
Richard Gordon, chair of Red Cross Philippines, reported two fatalities as Fung-wong approached, with expectations of more casualties as the storm intensifies. Power outages were reported in several eastern towns and villages as the fierce winds and rain bands swept through the region.
As the super typhoon continued its path, numerous domestic and international flights were canceled, leaving thousands stranded in seaports. Authorities warned of life-threatening storm surges exceeding three meters along coastal areas in more than 20 provinces, including metropolitan Manila.
The Philippines, frequently battered by natural disasters, faces around 20 typhoons and storms annually, in addition to seismic activity and volcanic eruptions, underscoring its status as one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries.
