Key Takeaways
- Super Typhoon Fung-wong hits Philippines with 185 km/h winds
- At least 2 dead, over 1 million people evacuated
- State of emergency declared as storm covers two-thirds of country
- 30 million people exposed to storm hazards
Super Typhoon Fung-wong has battered the northeastern Philippines, killing at least two people and forcing the evacuation of over one million residents from flood and landslide-prone areas. The massive storm, with sustained winds reaching 185 km/hour, represents the strongest typhoon to threaten the archipelago in years.
Massive Scale and Emergency Declaration
The typhoon’s enormous 1,800-kilometer-wide rain and wind band could cover approximately two-thirds of the Philippine islands. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of emergency, citing both the extensive damage from the previous Typhoon Kalmaegi and the anticipated devastation from Fung-wong.
The storm made landfall in Dinalungan town, Aurora province, bringing torrential rains and powerful gusts reaching 230 kph (143 mph).
Casualties and Rescue Operations
Officials confirmed two fatalities: one villager drowned in flash floods in Catanduanes province, while another died in Catbalogan city after being struck by debris.
“The rain and wind were so strong there was nearly zero visibility,” Roberto Monterola, a disaster-mitigation officer for Catanduanes, told The Associated Press by telephone.
Despite evacuation orders, some residents remained in danger zones. Rescue teams saved 14 people trapped on a rooftop in flooded neighborhoods and evacuated a family whose house roof was being torn off by the ferocious winds.
Mass Evacuation and Warnings
Over one million people were evacuated from high-risk villages across northeastern provinces, including the Bicol region which faces dual threats from Pacific cyclones and volcanic mudflows from Mayon volcano.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. warned of Fung-wong’s potentially catastrophic impact during televised remarks, noting the storm could affect vast areas including Cebu province and metropolitan Manila.
The Office of Civil Defense estimates more than 30 million people could be exposed to hazards from the super typhoon.
Transport Disruption and International Response
The storm has caused massive transportation disruptions with 325 domestic and 61 international flights canceled, while over 6,600 travelers and workers remained stranded at seaports due to coast guard restrictions.
Authorities warned of life-threatening storm surges exceeding 3 meters along coastal areas of more than 20 provinces, including the capital region.
While the Philippines hasn’t formally requested international assistance, Defense Secretary Teodoro confirmed that treaty allies United States and Japan stand ready to provide support if needed.
The Philippines typically experiences about 20 typhoons annually, combined with frequent earthquakes and multiple active volcanoes, making it one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations.
