MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Sunday, November 9, 2025 – The Philippines is currently battling Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong), which has intensified into one of the most powerful storms of the year, bringing life-threatening winds, torrential rainfall, and coastal flooding across the archipelago. The storm’s arrival comes just one week after Typhoon Kalmaegi (local name: Tino) claimed over 200 lives, compounding an already devastating situation for millions.

As of Sunday afternoon, the powerful storm began battering the eastern seaboard, with its center expected to make landfall over the southern portion of Isabela or the northern portion of Aurora province late Sunday or early Monday.

Highest Alert Raised Across Luzon

The state weather bureau, PAGASA, has issued the maximum alert, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 5, over southeastern Luzon, including the coastal province of Catanduanes, where the typhoon’s initial fury was first felt. Winds in the area have reportedly reached maximum sustained speeds of 205 kilometers per hour (kph) with gusts up to 250 kph, causing zero visibility and immediate power outages.

TCWS No. 3 has been raised for the National Capital Region (Metro Manila) and surrounding areas, warning of heavy to intense rainfall and strong winds. The wide-ranging impact of Uwan is vast, with its diameter reportedly spanning over a thousand kilometers, threatening more than 30 million people across dozens of provinces.

"The rain and wind were so strong there was nearly zero visibility." — Roberto Monterola, Disaster Mitigation Officer, Catanduanes

Highlights 

Mass Evacuation Efforts Underway

In a massive preemptive operation, Philippine authorities have ordered evacuations for more than a million people in high-risk zones prone to flash floods, landslides, and storm surges.

  • Evacuation Centers: Over 102,000 families, totaling approximately 319,000 individuals, are currently seeking shelter in occupied evacuation centers across affected regions.

  • Eastern Visayas Impact: In Eastern Visayas alone, initial reports indicate the storm has already displaced over 63,000 individuals, downing power and communication lines.

  • Infrastructure Shut Down: Authorities have proactively suspended most government work and classes in Northern and Central Luzon and Metro Manila for Monday. At least 325 domestic and 61 international flights have been canceled, and maritime travel has been halted, stranding thousands of commuters.



Double Calamity: Uwan Hits After Kalmaegi Devastation

The immediate threat from Super Typhoon Uwan is magnified by the fact that the country is still grappling with the devastation left by Typhoon Kalmaegi last week, which resulted in more than 200 confirmed deaths and extensive damage, particularly in Cebu province.

The existing saturation of soil from Kalmaegi’s rains has increased the risk of catastrophic landslides and deep flooding from Uwan’s predicted torrential downpour. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s declaration of a State of Emergency remains in effect, enabling faster access to calamity funds and the enforcement of price controls on essential goods.

Authorities continue to urge the public to strictly adhere to mandatory evacuation orders and monitor official advisories from PAGASA and local government units as the powerful storm continues its destructive path