Major Typhoon Strikes Nation Still in Crisis
The Philippines is confronting a severe crisis as Super Typhoon Fung-wong, the most powerful storm to threaten the archipelago this year, began pummelling its northeastern coastline on Sunday, 9th November 2025. The nation is still grappling with the devastating aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which claimed at least 204 lives earlier in the week.
Widespread Evacuations and Government Warnings
With the colossal storm system approaching, Philippine authorities have initiated a massive evacuation effort. Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. issued a stark televised warning, urging millions of residents in high-risk villages to move to safety immediately. He emphasised the critical need for pre-emptive action, stating, "We need to do this because when it’s already raining or the typhoon has hit and flooding has started, it’s hard to rescue people."
The scale of the evacuation is immense, with approximately 50,000 families already relocated from vulnerable areas in the Bicol region alone. This area is particularly susceptible to Pacific cyclones and mudflows from the active Mayon Volcano.
Storm Details and Immediate Impact
As of Sunday morning, government forecasters located Fung-wong about 125 kilometres northeast of Virac town. The super typhoon is packing sustained winds of up to 185 kph (115 mph) and powerful gusts reaching 230 kph (143 mph). Its enormous rain and wind band, stretching approximately 1,600 kilometres (994 miles) wide, threatens to impact two-thirds of the country.
The immediate consequences are already being felt. Several eastern towns have experienced power outages, and the coast guard has suspended sea travel, stranding over 6,600 commuters and workers in at least 86 seaports. Domestic flights in threatened provinces have been cancelled, and schools and government offices in the northern provinces have been pre-emptively closed for Monday.
In response to the dual calamities of Kalmaegi's destruction and the impending disaster from Fung-wong, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of emergency. While the Philippines has not yet requested international aid, treaty allies like the United States and Japan have signalled their readiness to assist. The nation, which typically endures around 20 typhoons annually, faces yet another formidable test of its resilience.
