More than 100,000 residents have been evacuated from the eastern and northern regions of the Philippines as Typhoon Fung-wong, now classified as a super typhoon, prepares to hit the country. Authorities are warning of strong winds, torrential rain, and significant storm surges that could cause devastating flooding.
According to the national meteorological agency, Fung-wong – locally called Uwan – is generating sustained winds reaching 185 km/h and gusts up to 230 km/h. It is expected to make landfall in Aurora province, in central Luzon, on Sunday evening. The highest alert level, 5, has been activated in southeastern Luzon, including Catanduanes and the coastal areas of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. The Metro Manila area is under alert level 3.
Power outages have already been reported in parts of eastern Visayas. The Philippine Coast Guard released footage showing families fleeing their homes, carrying bags and belongings to board evacuation trucks. Schools and government offices have been closed, while more than 300 domestic and international flights have been canceled by the civil aviation authority.
Videos relayed by local media, including ABS-CBN News, show torrential rain and violent gusts in the province of Catanduanes, where trees are already being severely shaken by the winds.
Fung-wong's arrival comes just days after the deadly passage of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed 204 people in the Philippines before hitting Vietnam, where it claimed five more lives and ravaged many coastal areas.
Philippine authorities are urging the population to remain vigilant and follow evacuation instructions, as the country, located on the Pacific typhoon belt, experiences about twenty major tropical storms each year.
