Philippines Faces Catastrophe as Super Typhoon Fung-wong Approaches

Nearly one million residents have been evacuated from their homes in the Philippines as authorities brace for the impact of Super Typhoon Fung-wong. The storm is expected to make landfall late on March 10, 2025, bringing with it catastrophic winds and heavy rainfall. As of 11:00 AM local time, the typhoon was packing sustained winds of 185 kilometres per hour (115 miles per hour) near its centre, with gusts reaching up to 230 kph (143 mph), according to the state weather service.

Fung-wong, following closely on the heels of Typhoon Kalmaegi—which claimed at least 224 lives and left 109 missing—poses a dire threat to the archipelago nation. With a radius affecting nearly the entire country, the typhoon is expected to unleash significant rainfall, with government meteorologists predicting up to 200 millimetres (eight inches) in various regions.

Immediate Preparations and Evacuations

In anticipation of the storm’s arrival, schools and government offices across Luzon, including the capital, Manila, have been ordered to close. The cancellation of nearly 300 flights has disrupted travel plans for many. In Catanduanes, a small island that may experience a direct hit, residents are already feeling the effects of the storm, as wind and rain intensify.

Rafaelito Alejandro, the civil defence deputy administrator, reported that 916,863 people have been evacuated nationwide. “As we speak, they are feeling the impact of the typhoon, especially in Catanduanes,” he stated during a press briefing. Video footage from the area shows streets submerged in floodwaters, and one church in the town of Virac is surrounded by water that reaches halfway up its entrance.

Residents in Catanduanes have taken precautionary measures, tying down roofs with ropes to prevent damage from the fierce winds. “They decided to do our tradition of strapping down the roofs with big ropes and anchoring them on the ground,” explained provincial rescue official Roberto Monterola.

Impact of Previous Typhoon and Ongoing Risks

The Philippines has barely recovered from the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which swept through the islands of Cebu and Negros just days ago. The storm led to flooding that swept away vehicles and homes, particularly affecting riverside communities. As rescue operations continue, officials have suspended activities in Cebu due to the impending threat posed by Fung-wong.

Myrra Daven, a rescue official, emphasized the risks to safety for rescue workers: “We cannot risk the safety of our rescuers. We don’t want them to be the next casualties,” she said.

The situation is compounded by scientific warnings that storms are becoming more intense due to climate change. Warmer oceans contribute to the rapid strengthening of typhoons, while increased atmospheric moisture leads to heavier rainfall.

As the nation prepares for the worst, the coming days will be critical for millions affected by these relentless storms. The Philippine government is on high alert, mobilizing resources to ensure the safety of its citizens as Typhoon Fung-wong approaches.