Manila: Typhoon Fung Wong, locally known as Uwan, has unleashed powerful winds and torrential rains across the Philippines, leaving at least eight people dead and forcing more than one million residents to flee their homes. The massive storm made landfall in Aurora province on the island of Luzon late Sunday, bringing destruction to several northern and central regions before moving toward the South China Sea.
The typhoon, one of the strongest to hit the country this year, recorded sustained winds of about 185 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 230 kilometers per hour. Its vast diameter, spanning nearly 1,800 kilometers, covered large parts of the Philippines, triggering widespread flooding, landslides, and power outages. Officials said the size and strength of the storm made it particularly dangerous, with strong winds flattening homes and heavy rainfall inundating villages.
According to the national disaster management agency, more than 1.4 million people have been displaced as a precaution, while around 300 evacuation centers have been opened in Luzon and nearby islands. Emergency workers have been deployed to deliver relief supplies, rescue stranded residents, and restore electricity and communication lines that were disrupted by the storm.
Authorities reported multiple landslides in mountainous areas of northern Luzon, where several homes were buried under mud. Among the victims were children who died when their house collapsed during heavy rains.
Coastal towns in Aurora and Isabela provinces also faced storm surges as high as five meters, damaging fishing boats and submerging roads.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered all government agencies to coordinate relief operations and ensure quick aid delivery to affected communities. The military has joined rescue efforts, airlifting food and water to areas cut off by floods and landslides. The government has also warned residents in low-lying regions to remain alert as continuous rainfall could lead to further flooding.
The storm weakened slightly after crossing Luzon but continues to pose risks as it moves toward the South China Sea. Meteorologists say Fung Wong could bring heavy rain and strong winds to Taiwan in the coming days as it tracks northwest.
The Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, has faced several strong storms this year. Just a week ago, Typhoon Kalmaegi caused more than 200 deaths, leaving the country still recovering when Fung Wong struck. Experts say rising sea temperatures linked to climate change are intensifying tropical storms in the region, making them stronger and more unpredictable.
Relief operations are ongoing, but officials warn that full recovery may take weeks as authorities assess the extent of the damage to infrastructure, crops, and homes. International organizations, including the Red Cross and United Nations agencies, have expressed readiness to support recovery efforts.
As the skies begin to clear, many Filipinos are left counting the cost of another powerful typhoon, rebuilding their homes and lives once again amid a season of unrelenting storms.