Typhoon Fung-wong, the most powerful storm to hit the Philippines this year, has moved away from the country after claiming two lives and forcing the evacuation of nearly one million people. The super typhoon made landfall on the evening of November 9, 2025, in Dinalungan, Aurora province, on the island of Luzon – the nation’s most populous region—bringing torrential rains and winds up to 185 km/h, with gusts reaching 230 km/h.
The Storm’s Impact
Fung-wong, locally known as Uwan, triggered widespread flooding and landslides, particularly in the provinces of Aurora, Catanduanes, and Samar. The casualties included one person killed by falling debris in Samar and another who drowned in Catanduanes. At least three others were injured, and authorities reported extensive damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure.
The storm’s rain band stretched over 1,600 kilometers, affecting nearly one-third of the Philippine archipelago. The Office of Civil Defense estimated that over 30 million people were at risk, with more than 916,860 evacuated from high-risk communities before the typhoon struck.
Evacuations and Emergency Response
In anticipation of the typhoon, the Philippine government raised disaster alertness to its highest level—red alert—for Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Aurora, and Northern Samar. All classes in metropolitan Manila, home to nearly 15 million residents, were suspended until Tuesday.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., overseeing disaster response, warned the public about the dangers of flash floods, landslides, and coastal surges. “We need to act now because once it starts raining or the typhoon strikes and flooding begins, rescues become much more difficult,” Teodoro said in a televised address.
Real-Life Impact and Eyewitness Accounts
Residents in affected areas described scenes of chaos and fear. “We had to leave everything behind and run to the evacuation center,” said Maria Santos, a mother of three from Catanduanes. “The wind was so strong, and the water rose quickly. I’m just thankful we made it out alive.”
The typhoon struck less than a week after Typhoon Kalmaegi devastated central provinces, killing over 200 people. The Philippines is still recovering from that disaster, and the arrival of Fung-wong has compounded the challenges for emergency responders and affected communities.
Expert Insights
Experts note that the Philippines is especially vulnerable to typhoons due to its location in the Pacific typhoon belt. “The frequency and intensity of these storms are increasing, likely due to climate change,” said Dr. Lina Reyes, a meteorologist at the University of the Philippines. “Communities need better preparedness and early warning systems to minimize loss of life and property.”
Next Steps
As Fung-wong moves away from the Philippines, authorities are assessing the damage and beginning recovery efforts. The government has not yet requested international aid, but the United States and Japan have offered support if needed. Residents are advised to remain vigilant for possible flooding and landslides in the coming days, and officials are urging those who evacuated to wait for official clearance before returning home.
For those affected, the road to recovery will be long, but the swift evacuation and coordinated response have helped prevent a much higher death toll. The Philippines now faces the dual challenge of rebuilding and preparing for future storms in an era of increasingly severe weather.
