Manila: A powerful typhoon named Fung Wong has slammed into the Philippines, leaving at least two people dead and forcing more than one million residents to evacuate their homes as fierce winds and heavy rains battered the northern regions of the country.
The storm, locally called Uwan, made landfall in the coastal town of Dinalungan in Aurora province, unleashing sustained winds of around 185 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching up to 230 kilometers per hour. Authorities said that strong waves and floods caused widespread damage, cutting off power in several provinces and blocking roads with landslides and fallen trees.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, about 1.4 million people were displaced from their homes, taking shelter in evacuation centers or with relatives. More than 400 domestic and international flights were canceled, and sea travel was suspended in many areas due to rough waters.
Fung Wong is the twenty-first tropical storm to hit the Philippines this year, highlighting the country’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather events. The typhoon’s arrival comes just weeks after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds and left a trail of destruction, putting additional pressure on relief agencies and local governments already struggling to recover.
Emergency teams have been deployed to deliver food, water, and medical supplies to affected regions. However, access remains difficult in parts of Aurora and neighboring provinces because of damaged roads and bridges. Officials warned that the number of casualties could rise as communication lines are restored and assessment teams reach isolated communities.
Meteorologists said the massive storm system, spanning nearly 1,800 kilometers, is now moving across the South China Sea toward Taiwan. While the typhoon is expected to weaken slightly, forecasters have warned that heavy rains and flooding may continue in parts of northern Luzon for the next 24 hours.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for swift relief efforts, urging local officials to prioritize the safety of evacuees and ensure adequate shelter and supplies. “Our focus now is on saving lives and restoring essential services,” he said in a statement released by his office.
The Philippines faces about 20 tropical cyclones every year, but recent storms have shown increasing intensity. Climate experts say rising ocean temperatures are fueling stronger and more destructive typhoons, posing a growing threat to the archipelago’s 110 million residents.
As the skies clear in some areas, rescue workers continue to search for missing people, clear debris, and assess damage to farms and infrastructure. For many communities still recovering from earlier storms, Typhoon Fung Wong has become another painful reminder of the country’s ongoing battle with nature’s fury.