The Philippine government has evacuated more than 100,000 residents across vulnerable coastal and mountainous regions as Typhoon Fung-wong intensified into a super typhoon, threatening widespread destruction across Luzon and parts of the Visayas.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Signal No. 5, its highest storm alert, over provinces including Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, and Aurora, where landfall is expected late Sunday. Metro Manila, along with neighboring provinces, remains under Signal No. 3, bracing for torrential rains and wind gusts exceeding 230 km/h (143 mph).
“This is a potentially catastrophic storm,” said Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., urging residents to comply with evacuation orders and avoid flood-prone areas.
The evacuation comes just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi devastated parts of the country, killing over 200 people and displacing thousands. Authorities fear Fung-wong could compound the humanitarian crisis, with power outages, landslides, and storm surges already reported in eastern provinces.
More than 300 flights have been canceled, and schools and government offices have suspended operations nationwide. Relief agencies are mobilizing food, water, and medical supplies, while the military has been deployed to assist in rescue and logistics.
