Philippines Braces for Super Typhoon Fung-wong as Evacuations Rise

As Typhoon Fung-wong approaches the Philippines, authorities have evacuated nearly one million people from coastal areas set to face the storm’s impact. The super typhoon is expected to make landfall late on Sunday, bringing with it winds of 185 kilometres per hour (115 miles per hour) and gusts reaching up to 230 kph as reported by the state weather service.

The storm follows closely on the heels of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which caused significant destruction and loss of life just days earlier, claiming the lives of over 220 individuals and leaving many missing. Schools and government offices across the main island of Luzon, including the capital city, Manila, have been ordered to close in anticipation of severe weather conditions. Flight cancellations have also surged, with nearly 300 flights grounded as the storm approaches.

Residents of Catanduanes, a small island predicted to receive a direct hit, are already experiencing the harsh effects of the storm. Early reports indicate that winds and rain have begun to lash the island, with storm surges inundating coastal areas. Civil defence deputy administrator Rafaelito Alejandro confirmed during a press briefing that 916,863 individuals have been evacuated nationwide, stressing the urgency of the situation as the storm’s eye nears Catanduanes.

“Waves started roaring around 07:00. When they hit the seawall, it felt like the ground was shaking,” said Edson Casarino, a resident of the town of Virac. Reports and video footage verified by AFP show significant flooding, with water levels reaching halfway up the entrance of a local church. The Bicol region in southern Luzon has also reported rising floodwaters, particularly in the Bicol River basin, with towns like Guinobatan experiencing severe flooding.

Meteorologists predict that Typhoon Fung-wong could deliver more than 200 millimetres (about 8 inches) of rain across various regions, raising concerns about potential landslides and further flooding. Experts attribute the increasing severity of storms like Fung-wong to climate change, noting that warmer ocean temperatures contribute to the rapid intensification of typhoons, while a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, resulting in heavier rainfall.

Residents of Catanduanes have taken precautions, with many tying down their roofs and securing their homes against the anticipated winds. “We decided to strap down the roofs with big ropes and anchor them to the ground,” explained local rescue official Roberto Monterola. In Sorsogon, another city in southern Luzon, some have sought refuge in community buildings as they brace for the storm’s impact.

Just days prior, Typhoon Kalmaegi wreaked havoc across the Philippines, particularly affecting the islands of Cebu and Negros. The storm caused extensive flooding, sweeping away vehicles and homes. According to government figures updated on Sunday morning, Kalmaegi has become the deadliest storm of 2025, with at least 224 fatalities reported and 109 individuals still unaccounted for.

The impending arrival of Typhoon Fung-wong has also halted search and rescue operations in Cebu, as officials prioritize the safety of their teams. “We cannot risk the safety of our rescuers. We don’t want them to be the next casualties,” stated rescue official Myrra Daven.

With the threat of Typhoon Fung-wong looming, the Philippines faces yet another challenge in its struggle against increasingly severe weather events fueled by climate change, as communities prepare for the storm’s impact.