ISABELA, Philippines (November 9, 2025) — More than 900,000 people have evacuated vulnerable areas across the Philippines as Super Typhoon Fung-wong — locally known as Uwan — begins lashing the country’s main island, Luzon, bringing intense winds and torrential rains.
The Philippine government has suspended work and classes in multiple regions, including Metro Manila, as authorities brace for the powerful storm expected to make landfall in Aurora province late Sunday night.
Fung-wong, the 21st tropical cyclone to hit the country this year, arrives as the nation continues to recover from the devastation of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which claimed 224 lives in the Philippines and five in Vietnam last month.
Super Typhoon Fung-wong Brings Destructive Winds and Rain
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Fung-wong carries maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) and gusts up to 230 km/h (140 mph).
The typhoon’s massive rainbands have already battered large parts of Luzon, toppling trees, cutting power lines, and flooding low-lying communities.
Authorities have raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 5, the highest alert level, over Aurora, Catanduanes, and Camarines Sur, while Metro Manila and neighboring provinces remain under Signal No. 3, indicating strong winds and possible widespread flooding.
Government Orders Preemptive Evacuations
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. urged residents in high-risk zones to evacuate immediately, warning that non-compliance could lead to deadly consequences.
“We ask that people preemptively evacuate so that we don’t end up having to conduct rescues at the last minute, which could put the lives of police, soldiers, firefighters, and coast guard personnel at risk,” Teodoro said in a televised address.
The government hopes to avoid casualties this time, said civil defense official Raffy Alejandro, noting that thousands of troops have been redeployed from training to assist with humanitarian operations.
So far, around 2,000 soldiers have been mobilized for disaster relief and evacuation assistance, while rescue equipment has been pre-positioned in flood-prone provinces.
“We Are Scared”: Evacuees Shelter in Schools and Gyms
In Isabela province, families have taken shelter in schools and gymnasiums converted into evacuation centers.
“We heard on the news that the typhoon is very strong, so we evacuated early,” said Christopher Sanchez, 50, who sought safety with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
“We live near the river, and every time there’s a storm, we have to move. The floods used to rise above human height,” he told Reuters.
Local media reports showed strong winds uprooting trees and heavy rains flooding roads, making travel difficult. A Reuters journalist described a “gray pall” hanging over northern Luzon as gusty winds and rain sheets pounded the region.
Images from the Philippine Coast Guard showed evacuees in Camarines Sur wading through knee-deep water and boarding trucks from small boats while carrying bags and household items.
Power Outages, Flight Cancellations and Travel Disruptions
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported widespread power outages in Eastern Visayas and parts of southern Luzon as transmission lines sustained damage.
Nearly 400 domestic and international flights have been cancelled, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), while several seaports have been closed due to dangerous sea conditions.
Airlines have issued travel advisories, and bus operators have suspended long-haul trips to the Bicol region and northern Luzon until weather conditions improve.
Philippines Faces Back-to-Back Disasters
Super Typhoon Fung-wong has intensified the country’s disaster recovery challenges following the destruction left by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which ravaged farmlands, displaced hundreds of thousands, and destroyed homes in October.
Fung-wong’s arrival pushes the Philippines’ total storm count this year to 21, surpassing its annual average of 20. Experts warn that the cumulative damage from consecutive typhoons could stretch local governments and humanitarian agencies to their limits.
Despite the strain, officials are determined to minimize casualties this time.
“Our goal is zero deaths,” Alejandro said. “We’ve learned from Kalmaegi — this time, we moved earlier.”
Outlook and Next Steps
Meteorologists predict that Fung-wong will cross Luzon overnight before weakening over the West Philippine Sea by Monday afternoon. However, heavy rainfall may still trigger landslides and flash floods, especially in mountainous areas.
The Philippine Red Cross and local governments have deployed emergency medical teams and mobile kitchens to support evacuees in temporary shelters.
International aid groups, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), are closely monitoring the situation and have expressed readiness to provide relief assistance if needed.