Will Super Typhoon Fung-Wong devastate the Philippines like Kalmaegi? Evacuation underway
The Philippines is once again on high alert as more than 900,000 residents are being evacuated ahead of Super Typhoon Fung-wong, locally known as Uwan. The storm threatens to bring life-threatening winds, torrential rain, and dangerous storm surges to several regions, including Luzon, the Visayas, and the popular surfing destination Siargao.
Fung-wong follows closely on the heels of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which left nearly 200 people dead in the central Philippines and caused fatalities in Vietnam. The sheer frequency of natural disasters has left communities and authorities on edge. “The people are shellshocked,” said Butch Meily, president of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), highlighting that the country has faced four major typhoons and two earthquakes in the past seven weeks alone.
The Philippine government has mobilized extensive evacuation efforts. Over 916,000 residents have been moved from high-risk coastal and flood-prone areas to safer locations such as gymnasiums, theaters, and government facilities. Officials are providing food, water, and essentials to evacuees, while authorities continue forced evacuations in regions most at risk.
Storm Details and Forecast
PAGASA, the nation’s meteorological agency, upgraded Fung-wong to a super typhoon. The storm carries maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (115 mph) and gusts up to 230 km/h (143 mph), although it remains slightly below the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center’s super-typhoon benchmark. Fung-wong’s massive wind and rain bands, spanning nearly 1,600 kilometers (994 miles), are already causing heavy rainfall in eastern regions, with more than 200 millimeters expected within 24 hours in some areas.
Authorities warn of flooding and landslides, particularly along Luzon’s eastern coastline, and a potentially life-threatening storm surge exceeding three meters (10 feet) in more than 20 provinces. The capital, Manila, is expected to receive up to 200 mm of rainfall, raising the risk of severe flooding in metropolitan areas.
More than 300 domestic and international flights have been canceled, and seaports have restricted vessels from entering rough waters. Schools and government offices in affected provinces have suspended operations for safety.
Aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi
The country is still grappling with the devastation from Typhoon Kalmaegi, which ravaged central provinces, leaving over 200 people dead and displacing tens of thousands. Flood-prone areas, clogged waterways, and insufficient early warning awareness contributed to the high death toll. Recovery efforts in Cebu and Davao have been temporarily paused to focus resources on preparing for Fung-wong.
PDRF’s Meily emphasized that the climate crisis is intensifying storms in the Philippines. “Previously, we focused on where the storm would make landfall. Now, wide rain bands mean even distant areas are flooded,” he said. Rising ocean temperatures fuel stronger storms, and warmer air retains more moisture, amplifying rainfall events.
Government Response
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of emergency to expedite disaster response and access emergency funds. Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. urged citizens to evacuate early to avoid putting rescue personnel at risk. Over 30 million people could potentially be affected by the storm, making it one of the largest evacuation operations in recent years.
Residents in vulnerable coastal areas, including Catanduanes and Aurora, have been relocating to shelters and higher ground. Families are preparing for extended periods in evacuation centers as storm surges and flash floods pose serious threats.
Despite repeated warnings, many Filipinos remain anxious, recalling the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi. “We decided to evacuate because the recent typhoon brought floods in our area, and now I just want to keep my family safe,” said Norlito Dugan, sheltering in a church in Sorsogon.
With approximately 20 tropical cyclones forming annually in the western Pacific, the Philippines remains among the world’s most disaster-prone countries. While climate change may not increase the number of storms globally, it amplifies their strength, rainfall, and the risk of coastal flooding, making these typhoons increasingly destructive.
FAQs
Q1: What areas in the Philippines are most at risk from Typhoon Fung-wong?
A1: Eastern Luzon, Bicol region, Metro Manila, Catanduanes, and Visayas are expected to face the strongest impacts.
Q2: How strong is Typhoon Fung-wong?
A2: Fung-wong has maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) and gusts up to 230 km/h (143 mph), classified as a super typhoon in the Philippines.
Q3: How many people have been evacuated?
A3: More than 916,000 residents have been moved from high-risk areas to shelters.
Q4: How does climate change affect typhoons in the Philippines?
A4: Warmer oceans and atmosphere intensify storms, increase rainfall, and elevate the risk of flooding and storm surges.
Q5: How can residents stay safe during a super typhoon?
A5: Evacuate to designated shelters early, avoid floodwaters, and follow instructions from local authorities.