‘Intense’ Typhoon Fung-wong Slams Philippines, Nearly a Million Flee Homes

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is reeling after Super Typhoon Fung-wong, locally known as Uwan, tore through the country late Sunday, prompting the mass evacuation of nearly one million people and claiming at least two lives.

Packing sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 km/h (143 mph), Fung-wong roared ashore in Aurora province, Luzon at around 9:10 p.m. local time (1:10 p.m. GMT). The storm later weakened slightly as it crossed La Union in western Luzon by early Monday morning.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of “life-threatening storm surges,” flash floods, and landslides as torrential rain continued to lash several provinces.

“This is an extremely dangerous typhoon. People should not let their guard down even after the winds ease,” PAGASA officials cautioned in a public briefing.

In coastal and low-lying areas, residents scrambled for safety as power lines toppled and trees were uprooted, cutting off access to some communities. Evacuation centers across Luzon are now at full capacity, offering refuge to families displaced by the storm.

The typhoon’s impact comes just days after Storm Kalmaegi devastated parts of the country, leaving nearly 200 people dead and heightening fears of worsening weather patterns fueled by a warming climate.

Authorities have mobilized emergency response teams, while the military has been deployed for rescue operations in flood-hit regions. Relief efforts are ongoing, with local governments urging the public to remain indoors until the all-clear is given.

As the storm continues to move northwest, weather forecasters warn that Fung-wong could bring heavy rainfall to northern Luzon before exiting into the West Philippine Sea by Tuesday.