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Monday, November 10, 2025

Super typhoon Fung-wong leaves four dead and 1.4 million evacuated as it hits the Philippines

Typhoon Fung-wong killed at least four people, forced the evacuation of over 1.4 million residents, and exposed 30 million to hazards in the Philippines.

Typhoon Fung-wong killed at least four people and forced evacuation of over 1.4 million residents before making landfall as a super typhoon in Aurora province Sunday night, exposing more than 30 million people to hazards, the Office of Civil Defence said.

One person drowned in flash floods in Catanduanes province, whilst another died in Catbalogan City when her house collapsed. Two landslides in Nueva Vizcaya province towns Kayapa and Kasibu killed three children and injured four others, police said.

The 1,800-kilometre-wide typhoon weakened as it crossed mountainous northern provinces and agricultural plains overnight before moving into the South China Sea from La Union province, state forecasters said.

Fung-wong sustained winds of up to 185 kph with gusts reaching 230 kph when it struck the eastern town of Dinalungan. The storm arrived days after Typhoon Kalmaegi killed 224 people in the country.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a state of emergency Thursday due to extensive Kalmaegi devastation and expected Fung-wong damage. The typhoon is called Uwan in the Philippines.

Authorities closed schools and most government offices Monday and Tuesday after fierce winds and rain triggered flooding in at least 132 northern villages, including one where residents were trapped on roofs as floodwaters rapidly rose.

More than 325 domestic and 61 international flights were cancelled over the weekend. Around 6,600 commuters and cargo workers were stranded in ports after the coast guard prohibited ships from venturing into rough seas.

The Philippines categorises tropical cyclones with sustained winds of 185 kph or higher as super typhoons.

The Asian island country experiences about 20 typhoons and storms annually and has more than a dozen active volcanoes, making it one of the world's most disaster-prone countries.

Manila has not requested international assistance following the Kalmaegi devastation, though the US and Japan are ready to assist, officials said.

Three dead and 15 injured in Tenerife as bad sea conditions grip Spanish waters

A tragic Saturday in Tenerife left three people dead and at least 15 injured as exceptionally high waves gripped the Canary archipelago. Officials are reporting waves that can reach as high as four metres.

The island of Tenerife experienced one of the most tragic days related to coastal phenomenon on Saturday. Three people lost their lives and a further 15 were injured in different parts of the island, while the Canary archipelago remained on pre-alert for coastal hazards due to bad sea conditions.

The first incident took place on the Roque de Las Bodegas beach, in Taganana, where six French tourists fell into the water after being hit by large waves. Local police sources confirmed that those affected were swept away after ignoring a preventive buoy installed in the area.

One woman suffered moderate injuries and was airlifted to the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria University Hospital by helicopter. Four others also required hospitalisation and a fifth was treated at the scene.

On the El Cabezo de Granadilla de Abona beach, in the south of the island, the lifeless body of a man was found floating in the sea. Lifeguards and personnel from the Canary Islands Emergency Service carried out cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) manoeuvres, but unfortuntately failed to revive him.

Puerto de la Cruz tragedy

The most serious incident occurred on the quayside of Puerto de la Cruz, in the north of Tenerife, where ten people were swept into the water.

Local police officers and several members of the public helped to rescue the victims. One woman was found in cardiorespiratory arrest and despite medical intervention from five ambulances that reported to the scene, was confirmed dead.

Of the other victims, three suffered critical injuries, four sustained moderate injuries and two minor only suffered minor wounds. All of the victims were hospitalised in different health centres on the island.

Late in the afternoon, at around 4:42 pm local time, the Emergency and Security Coordination Centre received a new alert for another man who had fallen into the sea in the area of Charco del Viento, in the municipality of La Guancha.

A Canary Islands Government helicopter located and pulled the man to the Santa Cruz de Tenerife dock, where medical staff confirmed his death due to the severity of his injuries.

Canary Islands remain on heightened alert

The Canary Islands have been on pre-alert for coastal phenomenon since Friday, due to exceptionally large waves, that can reach up to four metres high, and fierce winds.

Authorities had warned of dangerous sea conditions, though several incidents occurred due to incompliance with safety warnings and barriers.

The sea storm has highlighted the need for extreme caution in coastal areas when weather conditions are adverse, especially in the face of warnings issued by the emergency services.

Officials are urging civilians to heed advice and warnings, exercise increased caution and stay inland as much as possible until the threat subsides.