At least two people were killed and several towns left isolated as Typhoon Fung-wong — locally named Uwan — tore through the northern Philippines overnight, unleashing destructive winds and torrential rain before moving out to sea on Monday morning.
Over one million evacuated before landfall
Authorities said more than one million residents were evacuated ahead of the storm’s landfall in Dinalungan town, Aurora province, on Sunday night. The super typhoon brought with it ferocious gusts, pounding rains and powerful storm surges that battered large parts of Luzon, the country’s main island.
Photos shared by the Philippine Coast Guard showed rescuers ferrying residents to higher ground in Quezon province, as fierce winds ripped off rooftops and flooded streets.
Sleepless night as winds lashed homes
In Isabela province, the northern city of Santiago bore the brunt of the storm, with homes damaged and power lines downed.
“We could not sleep last night because of the winds hitting our metal sheets and tree branches falling,” said Romeo Mariano, who sheltered with his grandmother. “Almost all of the nearby trees lost their branches, and our home was badly damaged.”
Preliminary reports from the Civil Defence office confirmed at least two deaths and two injuries, with fears that the toll could rise as authorities reach cut-off areas.
Towns isolated by landslides
Aurora Vice-Governor Patrick Alexis Angara said that at least three towns remain inaccessible due to landslides and damaged roads. “Assessment and clearing operations are underway,” he told local broadcaster DZMM, adding that communication lines in some regions were still down.
Emergency teams have been deployed to restore road access and electricity in affected communities.
Flights grounded, damage widespread
The Civil Aviation Authority reported that over 400 flights had been cancelled since Sunday as airports in northern Luzon temporarily shut down. Ferry services were also suspended, leaving thousands stranded.
Fung-wong is the 21st tropical cyclone to strike the Philippines this year and follows closely after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed 224 people in the country and five in Vietnam last week.
Typhoon moves towards Taiwan
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Typhoon Fung-wong has now moved over the South China Sea and is heading northeast towards Taiwan.
However, officials warned that much of northern and central Luzon could still face heavy rains, strong winds and storm surges in coastal areas through Monday.
Disaster response agencies are conducting rapid damage assessments while relief goods and medical supplies are being mobilised for affected families.