The #Philippines is on high alert as #Typhoon Fung-Wong — known locally as Bagyong Fung-Wong — barrels toward the country, forcing the evacuation of more than one million people from vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas. The powerful storm, packing winds of up to 215 km/h (133 mph) and torrential rains, is expected to make landfall late Monday night or early Tuesday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
A Nation Braces for Impact
Local authorities in Luzon and Eastern Visayas have launched massive evacuation drives as the storm continues its west-northwest trajectory. Provinces including Aurora, Quezon, Albay, and Samar have been placed under Signal No. 4, one of the highest tropical cyclone warning levels in the country.
PAGASA warned that Fung-Wong could unleash life-threatening storm surges, with waves rising up to 4 meters (13 feet) along eastern coastal communities. “This is not a storm to underestimate,” a PAGASA forecaster said. “Winds and flooding could cause catastrophic damage, especially in areas already saturated from recent rains.”
Evacuation and Relief Efforts Intensify
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that at least 1.2 million residents have been moved to temporary shelters, schools, and community centers. Military and police units have been deployed to assist in rescue and logistics operations, while the Philippine Coast Guard has suspended all sea travel in high-risk zones.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has urged calm but vigilance, saying the government is “fully mobilized to protect lives and property.” Emergency supplies, including food packs, bottled water, and medical kits, have been pre-positioned in storm-prone regions.
Flights Canceled, Power Lines Down
As of Monday morning, over 150 domestic and international flights were canceled, and several airports — including Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and Legazpi Airport — are on limited operations.
Power outages have already been reported in Catanduanes and Northern Samar, with officials warning of possible widespread blackouts once the typhoon’s core hits.
Forecast: Heavy Rain and Flooding to Persist
Meteorologists expect Fung-Wong to weaken slightly after landfall but still pose severe threats from flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous areas. Manila could experience intense rainfall and wind gusts up to 120 km/h by Tuesday morning.
Neighboring countries such as Taiwan and southern China have also issued weather alerts, with projections suggesting Fung-Wong could move toward the South China Sea later in the week.
Memories of Past Disasters Resurface
The storm has stirred painful memories of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) — one of the deadliest typhoons in Philippine history — which killed more than 6,000 people in 2013. While Fung-Wong is not expected to reach Haiyan’s catastrophic intensity, its wide reach and slow movement raise concerns about prolonged flooding and agricultural damage.
“Our priority is saving lives. Property can be rebuilt — people cannot,” said Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr.
Global Community on Standby
The United Nations, Red Cross, and several humanitarian groups have already placed response teams on standby to provide post-storm assistance if needed. Neighboring nations, including Japan and Australia, have also pledged logistical support for relief and recovery.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on official updates from PAGASA and NDRRMC as of November 3, 2025. Forecasts and figures may change as Typhoon Fung-Wong continues to move toward the Philippines. Residents are advised to follow local authorities for the latest safety advisories and evacuation orders.
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