MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Nearly one million people have been evacuated and widespread flooding has been reported across the Philippines as powerful Typhoon Fung-Wong bears down on the country’s main island of Luzon. With howling winds, torrential rains, and rising floodwaters, authorities have ordered the closure of schools and government offices in affected areas, including the capital city of Manila, where nearly 300 flights have already been canceled.
The super typhoon — the latest in a series of destructive storms to hit the Philippines — was packing sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (115 mph) and gusts of up to 230 kph (143 mph) on Sunday morning, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Officials warned that the massive storm system, with a radius spanning nearly the entire archipelago, could bring destructive winds and heavy rainfall to large parts of the country, which is still reeling from the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi just days earlier — a storm that left more than 220 people dead.
Philippines Braces for Typhoon Fung-Wong’s Landfall
The Philippines has long been one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations, with about 20 typhoons hitting the country every year. Typhoon Fung-Wong made its approach toward the east coast of Luzon on Sunday night, threatening to make landfall near Catanduanes Island, a small province expected to take a “direct hit,” according to the state weather service.
Early Sunday morning, residents of Catanduanes were already facing violent winds and heavy rain. Storm surges sent waves crashing over coastal streets, while floodwaters rose quickly in several low-lying towns.
“As we speak, they are feeling the impact of the typhoon, especially in Catanduanes, because the storm’s eye is closest there,” said civil defense deputy administrator Rafaelito Alejandro in a national briefing. “So far, 916,863 people have been evacuated nationwide to prevent casualties.”
Local resident Edson Casarino, 33, described the harrowing experience from the town of Virac.
“The waves started roaring around 7 a.m. When they hit the seawall, it felt like the ground was shaking. Heavy rain is pouring now, and I can hear the wind whistling,” Casarino told AFP.
Video verified by AFP showed a church in Virac partially submerged, with floodwaters reaching halfway up its entrance.
In the Bicol region of southern Luzon, authorities reported widespread flooding, especially in areas near river basins. Alejandro confirmed that officials were monitoring rising water levels in the Bicol River, where hundreds of homes were already submerged.
In Guinobatan, a town of around 80,000 people in Albay province, verified footage showed streets transformed into raging rivers of muddy floodwater. Emergency teams have been dispatched to rescue stranded residents, though access to some areas remains limited due to debris and downed power lines.
PAGASA meteorologists warned that the typhoon could dump up to 200 millimeters (8 inches) or more of rain in many regions, significantly raising the risk of landslides and flash floods.
“This is one of the most widespread typhoons we’ve seen this year,” said a PAGASA forecaster. “Its massive size means that almost the entire Philippines is experiencing strong winds or rain.”
Experts continue to warn that typhoons striking the Philippines are becoming more intense due to climate change. Warmer ocean temperatures provide storms with more energy to strengthen rapidly, while a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture — leading to heavier rainfall and severe flooding.
“What we’re seeing is the new normal,” said environmental scientist Dr. Liza Cortez. “The Philippines is ground zero for climate impacts in Asia. Each year, storms like Fung-Wong remind us of the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and sustainable coastal planning.”
The government has been coordinating with local disaster management teams to provide emergency food packs, water, and shelter to evacuees. Temporary evacuation centers have been set up in schools, churches, and gymnasiums across the affected provinces.
In Catanduanes, communities took precautions on Saturday ahead of the storm’s arrival. Residents reinforced their homes with ropes, sandbags, and makeshift anchors to prevent roofs from being torn off.
“We tied down our roofs using big ropes anchored to the ground, a tradition we’ve followed for generations when big storms come,” said Roberto Monterola, a provincial rescue officer.
Meanwhile, in Sorsogon City in southern Luzon, residents sought refuge in churches and public halls as the winds grew stronger.
“I came here because the waves near my house are huge,” said Maxine Dugan, a coastal resident. “I live close to the shore, and the winds there are terrifying.”
As of Sunday evening, authorities warned that the worst impacts of Typhoon Fung-Wong were yet to come. The storm’s center was projected to cross Luzon overnight before weakening slightly as it moved toward the South China Sea.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged citizens to remain indoors and heed evacuation orders. “The safety of every Filipino is our top priority,” he said in a televised address.
The Philippines, already battling the aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi, now faces another humanitarian challenge. Relief agencies and local governments are bracing for days of heavy rain, flooding, and power outages.
Despite the destruction, officials expressed hope that early evacuations and improved disaster response systems will help minimize casualties this time. For millions across the Philippines, however, Typhoon Fung-Wong is yet another grim reminder of the nation’s growing vulnerability to nature’s fury.
Source- EWN
