MANILA, Philippines — Super Typhoon Fung-wong, locally known as Uwan, has begun battering the northeastern coast of the Philippines, prompting authorities to evacuate over one million residents and declare a heightened state of emergency. The typhoon, the strongest to threaten the country this year, approaches just days after the archipelago endured the devastating impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which claimed at least 224 lives in central provinces and further caused fatalities in Vietnam.

Typhoon Fung-wong’s Scope and Impact

Government forecasters report that Fung-wong’s massive circulation, spanning 1,600 kilometers (994 miles), could affect two-thirds of the Philippine archipelago. The storm is currently over coastal waters near Pandan, Catanduanes, bringing torrential rain and winds reaching 185 kph (115 mph), with gusts of up to 230 kph (143 mph). Landfall is expected on the coast of Aurora or Isabela provinces later Sunday or early Monday.

In the Philippines, tropical cyclones with sustained winds above 185 kph are classified as super typhoons, a warning designation emphasizing the extreme danger to life and property.

Evacuations and Emergency Response

Over one million people have been evacuated from high-risk areas in the northeastern provinces, including the Bicol region, which is prone to typhoons and mudflows from Mayon Volcano, one of the country’s most active volcanoes.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., overseeing disaster management and military operations, warned:

“We need to evacuate residents from low-lying and flood-prone areas immediately. Once flooding starts, rescues become extremely difficult.”

Officials have reported multiple rescues already. In Catanduanes, disaster-mitigation officer Roberto Monterola said authorities saved 14 people trapped on a rooftop and a family threatened by collapsing structures.

Disruptions Across the Country

The impending storm has forced:

• Shutdown of schools and government offices in northern provinces
• Cancellation of 325 domestic and 61 international flights
• Suspension of maritime operations affecting 6,600 passengers and cargo workers

Power outages have been reported in several eastern towns as the typhoon approaches. The Office of Civil Defense estimates that more than 30 million people could be exposed to severe hazards, including flash floods, landslides, and coastal storm surges exceeding 3 meters (nearly 10 feet).

International Assistance and Preparedness

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency following the destruction caused by Kalmaegi and anticipates the potential devastation of Fung-wong. While the Philippines has not yet requested international aid, both the United States and Japan stand ready to provide assistance.

This event comes amid a year of intense natural disasters, with the Philippines regularly experiencing 20 typhoons annually, frequent earthquakes, and activity from over a dozen active volcanoes, making it one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world.

Authorities continue to emphasize the urgency of following evacuation orders to minimize casualties and ensure the safety of residents in vulnerable regions.