Typhoon Fung-Wong made landfall in Aurora province on the evening of November 8, 2025, impacting the Philippines’ most populated island, Luzon. The storm, classified as a super typhoon, brought sustained winds of 115 miles per hour and gusts reaching 143 miles per hour. This severe weather event prompted the evacuation of nearly one million people, with at least two confirmed fatalities.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) had previously issued warnings regarding potential life-threatening storm surges associated with this “very intense typhoon.” Fung-Wong, known locally as Uwan, is the second major storm to strike the region in a matter of days, following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which had devastating effects earlier in the week.
Experts reported that Typhoon Kalmaegi was the deadliest cyclone to hit the Philippines in 2025, resulting in approximately 200 deaths in the Central Philippines and an additional five in Vietnam. Kalmaegi made landfall eight times across the archipelago before moving on to Vietnam. Following this tragedy, Fung-Wong’s approach raised concerns of further damage.
The impact of Fung-Wong became evident as civil defense officers reported one drowning incident after the storm made landfall. In Catbalogan City, the body of a woman was recovered from debris, highlighting the immediate dangers posed by the storm. In response to the impending disaster, nearly 300 flights were canceled, and multiple airports were closed.
As Fung-Wong progressed, meteorologists indicated that although the storm might weaken after landfall, it is expected to maintain its typhoon status while traversing the province through at least Tuesday.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
The Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council activated its highest alert level in anticipation of the storm’s landfall. Civil Defense Director George Keyser emphasized the seriousness of the situation during an emergency meeting, stating, “This is our highest state of readiness.” He warned that the volume of rainfall could be unprecedented, even if the storm’s eye made landfall far north.
In preparation for the storm, coordination among 17 local governments and national agencies was crucial. Keyser indicated that the period from Sunday afternoon through Monday night was critical, necessitating the clearing of streets for search-and-rescue and relief efforts.
The alert status enabled the mobilization of 486 traffic enforcers, 130 flood control teams, and 40 road emergency crews. Additionally, K-9 units were deployed, and full response protocols were activated across 71 pumping stations. Video monitoring was set up at 85 critical sites, and resources such as boats, cranes, payloaders, and buses were on standby for evacuations.
Fung-Wong’s mass covers approximately 932 miles, with strong winds and heavy rainfall already affecting the eastern regions of the Philippines prior to landfall. The storm is forecasted to move northwesterly across the northwestern Philippines before turning north on Tuesday and subsequently heading toward Taiwan.
As the nation braces for the aftermath of Fung-Wong, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of those affected and facilitating effective disaster response measures. The full extent of the damage and the recovery efforts will unfold in the coming days as communities come together to face the challenges posed by this powerful storm.
