Super Typhoon Fung-wong Forces Over 1 Million to Evacuate in Philippines

Super Typhoon Fung-wong, the most significant storm to threaten the Philippines this year, began impacting the northeastern coast on October 29. The powerful typhoon has forced the evacuation of more than 1 million people as it approaches landfall, prompting urgent warnings from officials regarding the need for additional evacuations from high-risk areas.

Fung-wong, known locally as Uwan, is expected to cover a vast area of the archipelago with its extensive 1,600-kilometre-wide rain and wind band. The typhoon is packing winds of up to 185 km/h and gusts reaching 230 km/h. As the storm approached, it was located over coastal waters near Pandan in Catanduanes province, where visibility was severely reduced due to torrential rains and fog.

Evacuations and Preparations Intensify

The Philippine government has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of Fung-wong’s impact. This declaration follows the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi earlier in the week, which resulted in at least 224 fatalities across central island provinces before it moved on to Vietnam, where five additional deaths were reported.

More than 916,860 people have already been evacuated from villages in northeastern provinces, particularly in the Bicol region, which is vulnerable to cyclones and mudflows from the active Mayon volcano. Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasized the potential for catastrophic consequences, urging residents to heed evacuation orders promptly.

In televised remarks, Teodoro stated, “We need to do this because when it’s already raining or the typhoon has hit and flooding has started, it’s hard to rescue people.” He highlighted that over 30 million individuals could be affected by Fung-wong as it tracks northwestward, potentially making landfall in either Aurora or Isabela provinces late on Sunday or early Monday.

Impact on Infrastructure and Transportation

As the storm looms, many eastern towns and villages have already experienced power outages. Authorities have preemptively closed schools and government offices in northern provinces expected to be impacted by the typhoon. Flight disruptions have also escalated, with at least 325 domestic and 61 international flights canceled over the weekend, leaving over 6,600 commuters and cargo workers stranded at various seaports.

Warnings of a “high risk of life-threatening and damaging storm surge” exceeding three metres have been issued for more than 20 provinces, including metropolitan Manila. The Philippines, prone to approximately 20 typhoons annually, faces ongoing challenges as it navigates both natural disasters and recovery efforts.

While international assistance has not yet been formally requested following Typhoon Kalmaegi, Teodoro confirmed that the United States and Japan are prepared to provide support if needed. As the nation braces for Fung-wong’s landfall, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of those in vulnerable areas.