Super typhoon Fung-wong approaches the Philippines, nearly a million evacuated

(Patria) - Super typhoon Fung-wong, known in the Philippines as Uwan, is approaching the Philippines and is expected to bring catastrophic winds and heavy rains on Sunday. Authorities have evacuated more than 900,000 people from high-risk areas in preparation, less than seven days after the devastating typhoon Kalmaegi hit the country, leaving nearly 200 dead.

According to the national meteorological service Pagasa, Fung-wong, whose diameter covers almost the entire country, is moving from the east towards the archipelago with winds of 185 km/h and gusts up to 230 km/h. Meteorologists predict that the typhoon will make landfall during the night, and a possible impact on the island of Taiwan is also expected.

A total of 916,863 people had been evacuated by early Sunday afternoon, said Civil Defense official Rafaelito Alejandro. Schools and public institutions will be closed on Monday in most of the country, including the capital Manila, while nearly 300 flights have already been canceled. Waves began to hit around 7 AM local time.

Huge waves were seen this morning along the coast of Barangay Sicmil in Gigmoto, Catanduanes, Philippines, as Typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong) continued to bring strong winds. The waves, reportedly higher than nearby houses. pic.twitter.com/m22cmOOxqk

— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) November 9, 2025

The Bicol region was the first to experience the direct impact of the typhoon this morning, while the largest island of Luzon is expected to be hit by evening. Due to the arrival of Fung-wong, numerous schools have switched to online classes, and Philippine Airlines has canceled a number of domestic flights.

Although the typhoon is expected to weaken rapidly after making landfall, it remains strong as it crosses Luzon. Residents of low-lying and coastal areas, especially on the island of Catanduanes, have been urged to evacuate to higher ground.

In the Aurora region in eastern Luzon, local residents and hotel employees are preparing for the storm. Hagunoy, a 21-year-old employee of one of the hotels in Sabang, told the BBC that local police had been patrolling the area in recent days to ensure all guests were evacuated before the storm's arrival.