Super Typhoon Fung-wong has initiated impact on the northeastern coast of the Philippines, leading to power outages and the evacuation of nearly one million people. The storm is also known as Uwan within the Philippines.
Context and Impact
Fung-wong, projected to affect two-thirds of the Southeast Asian archipelago, follows Typhoon Kalmaegi, which caused 224 fatalities in central island provinces and five deaths in Vietnam. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of emergency in response to the damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated effects of Fung-wong.
Storm Details
As of Sunday morning, Fung-wong exhibited sustained winds of up to 185 kilometers per hour (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 kph (143 mph). Government forecasters located the typhoon over coastal waters near Pandan in eastern Catanduanes province. Visibility in the area was reduced by heavy rains and fog. The typhoon is expected to proceed northwest and make landfall in Aurora or Isabela province later Sunday or early Monday. Tropical cyclones with sustained winds of 185 kph or higher are classified as super typhoons in the Philippines.
Evacuations and Warnings
Over 916,860 individuals have been evacuated from high-risk areas in northeastern provinces, including Bicol, a region susceptible to Pacific cyclones and mudflows. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who oversees disaster response, issued a warning regarding the potential impact of Fung-wong. The Office of Civil Defense stated that over 30 million people could be exposed to hazards from the typhoon. Teodoro advised residents to comply with evacuation orders from areas prone to flash floods, landslides, and coastal tidal surges.
Disruption and Preparedness
Power outages have been reported in several eastern towns and villages as Fung-wong approached. Authorities in northern provinces have announced school and most government office closures for Monday and Tuesday. Flight cancellations include at least 325 domestic and 61 international flights over the weekend and into Monday. Over 6,600 commuters and cargo workers are stranded in 109 seaports due to prohibitions on maritime travel in rough seas. Warnings have been issued for a storm surge exceeding 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) along the coasts of over 20 provinces, including metropolitan Manila. The Philippines typically experiences approximately 20 typhoons and storms annually and is also subject to earthquakes and volcanic activity.