Super Typhoon Fung-Wong Slams the Philippines, Leaving Two Dead and Over a Million Evacuated
ISABELA, Philippines — November 9, 2025:
At least two people have died as Super Typhoon Fung-Wong — locally known as Uwan — tore through the central and eastern Philippines, bringing torrential rains, destructive winds, and widespread power outages. The powerful storm, packing sustained winds of 185 kph (115 mph) and gusts up to 230 kph (140 mph), is expected to make landfall in Aurora province by Sunday night.
Mass Evacuations as Storm Intensifies
More than one million residents across vulnerable regions have been evacuated as authorities brace for the typhoon’s full impact. The Philippine defense ministry has urged communities under the highest alert levels to comply with evacuation orders, warning that failure to do so could endanger both residents and rescuers.
“We ask that people preemptively evacuate so that we don’t have to conduct last-minute rescues,” said Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, emphasizing that non-compliance could put emergency responders at risk.
Airports Closed and Power Outages Widespread
As a safety precaution, several airports — including Bicol International Airport and Sangley Airport in Metro Manila — have been temporarily closed. The civil aviation authority said flight operations will resume once weather conditions improve.
Large parts of the Bicol region have been plunged into darkness as power lines were knocked out by strong winds and heavy rain. Meanwhile, authorities are racing to restore essential services while prioritizing rescue and relief operations.
Fatalities Reported Amid Early Damage Assessments
The civil defense office confirmed that one person drowned in Catanduanes, while another woman was found dead under the debris of a collapsed house in Catbalogan City. Officials fear the death toll could rise as reports from remote areas begin to emerge.
“We’re scared,” said Christopher Sanchez, a resident of Isabela who evacuated with his family. “Every time there’s a storm, we move to the evacuation center. The floodwaters near our home can rise above human height.”
21st Typhoon to Hit the Philippines in 2025
Fung-Wong is the 21st storm to strike the Philippines this year, slightly above the country’s annual average of 20. The storm threatens to further strain disaster response efforts as the nation continues to recover from Typhoon Kalmaegi, which claimed 224 lives earlier this year.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts that Fung-Wong will move northwest on Monday, then head north toward Taiwan by Tuesday. The storm is expected to weaken before hitting western Taiwan on Thursday, before dissipating near the Ryukyu Islands.
Military and Disaster Response Mobilized
The Philippine military has redirected around 2,000 troops from training missions to focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
“Our goal is zero casualties,” said civil defense spokesperson Raffy Alejandro. “We hope early evacuations will prevent the kind of devastation seen in previous typhoons.”
Residents Brace for Impact
In northern Luzon, communities are on high alert. Families are sheltering in public facilities such as schools and sports centers, preparing for days of heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Local governments have also suspended classes and work in high-risk areas.
Despite the anxiety, Filipinos remain resilient — bracing for yet another test of endurance as the storm inches closer to land.
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