Over One Million Evacuated as Super Typhoon Fung-wong Hits the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines (AP) – Super Typhoon Fung-wong made landfall on Sunday along the northeastern coast of the Philippines, bringing sustained winds exceeding 150 km/h and torrential rain. The storm has already claimed at least two lives and caused extensive flooding in coastal villages, prompting authorities to order the evacuation of more than one million residents from high‑risk areas.
Fung-wong, classified as a Category 4 system by the national meteorological agency, tracked westward from the Pacific Ocean over the past three days, intensifying as it approached the archipelago. The typhoon’s projected path includes the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya, where officials warned of landslides, storm surges, and power outages. Pre‑emptive measures such as the suspension of flights, closure of schools, and deployment of military units to assist with evacuations were implemented earlier in the week.
Local authorities, together with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, have activated emergency shelters and pre‑positioned relief supplies, including food, water, and medical kits. Officials stated that the evacuation effort is being coordinated with community leaders to ensure vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and children, receive priority assistance. The government also urged citizens to stay indoors, heed evacuation orders, and avoid traveling on flooded roads. International aid agencies have pledged support, with some sending assessment teams to evaluate damage once the storm subsides.
Experts note that the Philippines experiences an average of 20 tropical cyclones annually, and recent climate trends have contributed to increased storm intensity. While Fung-wong is expected to weaken as it moves inland, the risk of secondary hazards, such as riverine flooding and landslides, remains high for the coming days. Recovery efforts will focus on restoring critical infrastructure, providing temporary housing, and conducting damage assessments to inform longer‑term rebuilding strategies.
