**Typhoon Fung-wong Poised to Intensify as It Approaches Eastern Philippines**
*MANILA, Nov 8* — The Philippines’ weather bureau has issued a grave warning about life-threatening storm surges and destructive winds as Typhoon Fung-wong advances toward the country’s eastern coast. Forecasts indicate that the typhoon will intensify into a super typhoon before making landfall on Sunday night.
PAGASA weather forecaster Benison Estareja reported that Fung-wong’s massive circulation, spanning 1,500 kilometres (932 miles), is already affecting parts of eastern Philippines with heavy rains and strong winds.
“It can cover almost the entire country,” Estareja said.
Currently, Fung-wong—locally named Uwan—is packing maximum sustained winds of 140 kph, with gusts reaching up to 170 kph. It could strengthen to 185 kph as it approaches land, powerful enough to destroy homes and topple trees and structures.
Heavy rainfall is expected to worsen conditions, with up to 200 mm forecasted in eastern provinces, particularly in the Bicol region and parts of Samar. This raises the risk of widespread flooding and landslides. Meanwhile, northern and central Luzon could experience rainfall between 100 to 200 mm during the typhoon’s passage.
In response, PAGASA has urged residents in low-lying and coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground and to halt all marine activities immediately. The bureau warned of destructive storm surges capable of inundating coastal communities, along with violent winds.
Several local governments have already suspended classes for Monday. The Philippines’ flag carrier has also cancelled some flights in preparation for Fung-wong’s expected landfall.
This warning comes just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi caused extensive destruction across the region—ripping through coastal communities, toppling trees, and damaging roofs and windows.
Kalmaegi claimed the lives of 204 people in the Philippines and five in Vietnam, displaced hundreds of thousands, and caused widespread power outages. Vietnam’s disaster agency reported damage to nearly 2,800 homes, with around 500,000 people still without electricity.
In the Philippines, severe flooding destroyed homes and clogged streets with debris.
Both Vietnam and the Philippines are highly vulnerable to tropical storms and typhoons due to their locations along the Pacific typhoon belt. These countries regularly suffer damage and casualties during peak storm seasons.
Meanwhile, in Thailand, Kalmaegi’s lingering effects have caused heavy rainfall and localized flooding across parts of the northeast and central regions.
Scientists have warned that storms like Kalmaegi are becoming more powerful as global temperatures continue to rise, underscoring the urgent need for improved preparedness and climate action.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/08/world-news/philippines-warns-of-deadly-storm-surges-as-typhoon-fung-wong-strengthens/