The Philippines has ordered the evacuation of over 100,000 residents across eastern and northern regions as Typhoon Fung-wong rapidly intensified into a super typhoon on Sunday, threatening to lash the country with torrential rains, destructive winds, and life-threatening storm surges.
Storm alert signals were hoisted across wide areas, with Signal No. 5, the highest warning level, raised over Catanduanes and coastal stretches of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. The National Capital Region, including Metro Manila, remains under Signal No. 3 as precautionary measures intensified across Luzon.
According to government forecasters, Fung-wong&mdash;known locally as Uwan&mdash;spanned a massive 1,600-kilometre-wide rain and wind band, capable of covering nearly two-thirds of the Philippine archipelago. The storm&rsquo;s approach from the Pacific comes as the nation is still reeling from Typhoon Kalmaegi, which left 224 people dead in the central provinces last week before moving on to Vietnam, where it claimed additional lives.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of emergency, citing both the widespread devastation from Kalmaegi and the imminent impact of Fung-wong. &ldquo;We must prioritise preparedness and protect lives,&rdquo; he said, urging local authorities to accelerate pre-emptive evacuations and ensure the readiness of relief operations.
At noon Sunday, Fung-wong was tracked near Pandan town in Catanduanes province, packing sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 km/h (143 mph). Heavy rains and dense fog have already hampered visibility in several eastern communities. Meteorologists warned the storm could make landfall between Aurora and Isabela provinces by late Sunday or early Monday before moving northwestward across northern Luzon.
Disaster response units have been placed on full alert as authorities brace for possible widespread flooding, landslides, and coastal inundation. Emergency shelters and food stocks have been pre-positioned in vulnerable areas, while the military has deployed assets for rescue and relief operations.
The approaching super typhoon, coupled with the lingering scars of Kalmaegi, is expected to test the Philippines&rsquo; disaster preparedness once again&mdash;underscoring the increasing frequency and ferocity of tropical storms in the region.

Typhoon Fung-wong nearing Philippines (Courtesy: Zoom Earth)

Over 100,000 evacuated as Fung-wong intensifies into a super typhoon near Luzon

Philippines braces for Super Typhoon Fung-wong

Over 100,000 evacuated as Fung-wong intensifies into a super typhoon near Luzon

November 9, 2025 | 16:28 IST