Typhoon Fung-Wong Intensifies; PAGASA Raises Wind Signals Across Luzon and Visayas

Typhoon Fung-Wong, locally named Uwan, continues to strengthen over the western Pacific Ocean and is expected to rapidly intensify into a powerful tropical system as it moves westward toward the Philippines, forecasters said.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the typhoon is projected to make landfall over the island of Luzon in the coming days before possibly turning north toward southern Taiwan for a secondary landfall.

As the storm approaches, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 has been raised over several areas in Luzon and the Visayas, including Catanduanes and parts of Northern Samar, Samar, and Eastern Samar. Under this warning level, winds of 61 to 120 kilometers per hour may be expected within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 is now in effect across a wide area of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, covering provinces such as Cagayan, including the Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, and Bicol Region, as well as parts of Leyte, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, and Surigao del Norte.

PAGASA warns that strong winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides are possible in affected regions as Typhoon Uwan moves closer to the Philippine landmass. Fisherfolk and small vessels are also advised to avoid venturing into the eastern seaboards due to rough sea conditions.

This new threat comes just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi left nearly 200 people dead and caused widespread damage across parts of the country. The national government has declared a state of emergency as the nation braces for yet another potentially destructive storm.

Authorities are urging residents in high-risk areas to stay alert for possible evacuation advisories and to closely monitor updates from PAGASA and local disaster response units.