The Philippines evacuated nearly a million people across its eastern and northern regions as Fung-Wong reached super typhoon status on Sunday ahead of its expected arrival later in the day, threatening to unleash torrential rains, destructive winds and storm surges.
Storm alert signals have been issued across large parts of the Philippines, with Signal No 5, the highest warning, raised over southeastern Luzon, including Catanduanes and coastal areas of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, while Metro Manila and surrounding areas are under Signal No 3.
Packing sustained winds of 185km/h (115mph) and gusts of up to 230km/h, Super Typhoon Fung-Wong, locally known as Uwan, is forecast to make landfall in Aurora province in central Luzon on Sunday night at the earliest.
Catanduanes, a small island the state weather service said could take a “direct hit”, was being lashed by wind and rain early on Sunday, with storm surges sending waves hurtling over streets along the coast and floodwaters rising in some areas.
Parts of eastern Visayas were already experiencing power outages.
Some images shared by the Philippine coastguard in Camarines Sur showed evacuees carrying bags and personal belongings as they transferred from long, narrow passenger boats to waiting trucks during pre-emptive evacuation operations.
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