Philippine authorities evacuated more than 100,000 people from eastern and northern provinces on Sunday as Typhoon Fung-wong intensified while approaching the main island of Luzon, unleashing heavy rain and fierce winds.
According to local media, the government issued storm warnings across wide areas of the country. Signal No. 5, the highest alert, was raised over southeastern Luzon, including Catanduanes and the coastal provinces of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, while the capital Manila and surrounding regions were placed under Signal No. 3.
The typhoon, known locally as Uwan, is expected to make landfall in Aurora province in central Luzon late Sunday, with sustained winds of up to 230 kilometers per hour, the national meteorological agency said. It warned of rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters, likely to trigger widespread flooding and landslides.
The Civil Aviation Authority said more than 300 domestic and international flights were canceled.
The Philippine Coast Guard reported that 6,607 people, including passengers, crew, and cargo workers, were stranded at 86 ports nationwide. With wind signals raised to Level 5, maritime travel was suspended in all affected regions.
Fung-wong’s arrival comes only days after Typhoon Kalmaegi struck the country, killing 204 people and causing extensive damage before moving on to Vietnam, where it claimed five more lives and devastated coastal communities.
