Typhoon Fung-wong, locally known as “Uwan,” swept through northern Philippines overnight, killing at least two people and leaving several towns isolated, officials said Monday. Residents emerged after a long, sleepless night to assess the damage caused by fierce winds, heavy rain, and storm surges.
More than one million people had been evacuated before Fung-wong made landfall Sunday night in Dinalungan, Aurora province, on the eastern coast of Luzon, the country’s main island. The storm toppled trees, damaged homes, and knocked down power lines, particularly in the northern city of Santiago in Isabela province.
“We could not sleep last night because of the winds hitting our metal sheets and tree branches falling,” said Romeo Mariano, sheltering with his grandmother. “Almost all the branches nearby fell, and when we went out to check, we saw the damage to our home.”
Aurora Vice-Governor Patrick Alexis Angara reported that at least three towns were cut off due to landslides and damaged roads. “Assessment and clearing operations are underway,” he said. The state weather agency added that Fung-wong is now over the South China Sea and is forecast to move northeast toward Taiwan, warning that heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal swells could continue to affect many areas.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines reported that over 400 flights have been cancelled since Sunday due to the typhoon. Fung-wong is the 21st storm to hit the Philippines this year and follows Typhoon Kalmaegi, which claimed 224 lives in the country and another five in Vietnam last week.
