Super Typhoon Fung-wong hit the northeastern Philippines on Sunday with powerful winds and heavy rain. Officials said at least two people died, and more than one million residents evacuated low-lying and coastal areas.

Forecasters warned that the storm’s rain and wind bands stretched nearly 1,800 kilometres, covering two-thirds of the country. The Philippines was still recovering from Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people earlier in the week before moving into Vietnam.

One person drowned in Catanduanes province, while another died after debris collapsed in Catbalogan City, Samar province.

President Marcos Declares State of Emergency

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency as the country battled Kalmaegi’s destruction and prepared for Fung-wong’s full impact. The new storm intensified into a super typhoon on Sunday, November 9, bringing severe weather across Luzon and the Visayas.

Second Major Typhoon in a Week

Fung-wong, known locally as Uwan, is the second major storm to hit the Philippines in less than a week. Authorities expect it to make landfall late Sunday night. Nearly one million people have already moved to shelters.

Earlier, Typhoon Kalmaegi battered central provinces with winds up to 185 km/h and gusts reaching 230 km/h, leaving hundreds dead and thousands homeless.

Aurora Braces for Landfall

Meteorologists said the storm would likely make landfall in Aurora province by Sunday night. The government ordered schools and offices to close across Luzon, including in Manila. Nearly 300 flights were cancelled due to the approaching storm.

Evacuations and Early Impact

The island of Catanduanes faced strong winds and flooding early Sunday. “As we speak, they are feeling the impact of the typhoon, especially in Catanduanes, because the storm’s eye is closest there,” said civil defence deputy administrator Rafaelito Alejandro.

He said 916,863 people had already been evacuated. Images from Camarines Sur showed families boarding military trucks and carrying their belongings to shelters. Parts of Eastern Visayas have already lost power.

Highest Alert Raised

The government raised the highest alert level, Signal No. 5, in Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, and Aurora. Metro Manila and nearby provinces were placed under Signal No. 3 as strong winds moved closer.

Government Issues Urgent Warning

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro urged people to evacuate early. “We ask that people preemptively evacuate so that we don’t end up having to conduct rescues at the last minute, which could put the lives of police, soldiers, firefighters, and coast guard personnel at risk,” he said.

Officials warned of possible landslides and flash floods in mountainous regions. Emergency teams are now on full alert nationwide.