The Philippines is bracing for the impact of Typhoon Fung-Wong, locally known as Uwan, which is forecast to make landfall on the island of Luzon as a super typhoon on Sunday evening, bringing destructive winds, torrential rains, and life-threatening storm surges.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Fung-Wong could intensify further before making landfall, with sustained winds exceeding 185 km/h (115 mph) and even stronger gusts. The storm is projected to weaken after striking land but will likely remain a typhoon as it moves across Luzon.
“Fung-Wong will bring intense rainfall, widespread flooding, and potentially dangerous storm surges, especially in coastal and low-lying areas,” Pagasa said in its latest weather bulletin on Saturday evening.
Local authorities have begun preemptive evacuations in eastern and southern Luzon, including Catanduanes island, which lies directly in the storm’s path. Residents in flood-prone and coastal communities were urged to move to higher ground before weather conditions worsen.
A civil defense spokesperson said all evacuations must be completed by Sunday morning. “Evacuations should not be attempted during strong winds or heavy rainfall,” the official warned.
Several schools have already suspended classes or shifted to online learning for Monday, while Philippine Airlines canceled multiple domestic flights ahead of the storm’s arrival.
Fung-Wong’s approach comes less than a week after another typhoon devastated parts of the Philippines, killing at least 200 people and destroying homes, roads, and farmland. That disaster left thousands displaced and emergency shelters overcrowded, compounding fears of another humanitarian crisis if the new storm hits major population centers.
As of Saturday evening, eastern provinces were already experiencing heavy rains and strong winds. Meteorologists expect the storm’s effects to reach much of the country, including Metro Manila, even if the capital avoids a direct hit.
Pagasa said the typhoon’s outer rain bands could trigger landslides and flash floods in mountainous areas and urged local governments to stay alert for emergency warnings.
The Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations, experiences around 20 tropical cyclones annually, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Scientists say rising sea temperatures linked to climate change are making storms more intense and unpredictable.
Emergency teams are on standby nationwide, with the government deploying search and rescue units and pre-positioning food and medical supplies in high-risk areas.
Africa Digital News, New York
