Typhoon Fung-wong Slams the Philippines: 10 Dead, 1.4 Million Displaced

MANILA, El Sky News — The Philippines is once again reeling from a powerful natural disaster after Typhoon Fung-wong locally known as Typhoon Uwan  struck the country’s northern and central regions over the weekend, leaving at least 10 people dead, dozens injured, and more than 1.4 million residents displaced.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the typhoon made landfall in Aurora province on Sunday evening (November 9), packing sustained winds of up to 185 km/h (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 km/h (143 mph). The storm unleashed heavy rain and destructive winds that caused severe flooding, landslides, and widespread power outages across northern and central Luzon, including the provinces of Catanduanes, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, and Isabela.

“This is one of the strongest storms to hit the country this year, severely affecting both mountainous and coastal areas,” said Usec. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, Director-General of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), as quoted by the Philippine News Agency.

Widespread Impact

• 10 confirmed deaths as of Tuesday morning (November 11).
• More than 300,000 homes partially or totally damaged.
• 1.4 million people displaced across 14 provinces.
• Major power outages reported in Cagayan Valley and the Bicol Region.

The Philippine government announced that a ₱2.2 billion (US$38 million) calamity fund remains available to support relief and recovery operations, including food aid, emergency shelters, and medical assistance.

Humanitarian Response

Humanitarian and church-based organizations such as Caritas Philippines and the Philippine Red Cross have deployed teams to distribute food packs, temporary shelters, and hygiene kits. Catholic dioceses across the country have opened church halls and schools to serve as temporary evacuation centers.

“We have activated our nationwide network of over 80 dioceses. Our priority is to reach remote communities that have been cut off by landslides,” said Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, Chairman of Caritas Philippines, in a statement to Vatican News.

Current Situation

As of Tuesday afternoon (November 11), PAGASA reported that Typhoon Fung-wong had moved into the Luzon Strait and weakened into a tropical storm. However, heavy rainfall and rough seas remain a concern along the western coastlines of Ilocos Norte and Zambales.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant as further flash floods and landslides remain possible due to saturated ground conditions.