Typhoon Fung-wong,known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Uwan was a very large,powerful,and destructive tropical cyclone that struck the Philippines,Taiwan,and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan in mid-November 2025. The twenty-sixth named storm and thirteenth typhoon of the annual typhoon season,Fung-wong originated from a broad low-pressure area northeast of Chuuk on November3. It gradually organized over the following days before undergoing rapid intensification on November8 under increasingly favorable atmospheric conditions.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) classified the system as a typhoon on November7,and early the next day,the Philippine Atmospheric,Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) upgraded it to a super typhoon. Shortly after,the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) assessed Fung-wong as a Category4-equivalent typhoon. Shortly before making landfall in Dinalungan,Aurora,on the evening of November9. After crossing Luzon,it weakened and re-emerged over the West Philippine Sea before recurving towards Taiwan,where it made landfall in Hengchun Township,Pingtung County,as a tropical storm on November12. Fung-wong then weakened further before dissipating on November13. It was the first storm to make landfall in Taiwan in November since Gilda in 1967,and the second storm to strike Taiwan's western plains this season since Typhoon Danas.
Fung-wong made landfall in the Philippines just five days after Typhoon Kalmaegi had battered central parts of the country,exacerbating recovery efforts. The storm brought widespread flooding and intense winds along its path,particularly across the Bicol Region and Northern Luzon. In total,it caused at least 33 deaths and 52 injuries in the Philippines,mostly from floods and landslides,while one death and 95 injuries were reported in Taiwan.
Meteorological history
Map plotting the storm's track and intensity,according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
On November3, the JTWC began monitoring an area of convection that had developed approximately 300 nautical miles (560km) northeast of Chuuk. Satellite imagery revealed a consolidating low-level circulation center (LLCC) with displaced cells of convection concentrated mainly on its eastern quadrant. The disturbance was located in a generally favorable environment characterized by weak vertical wind shear of 5–10 knots (9.3–18.5km/h; 5.8–11.5mph), moderate equatorward outflow, and warm sea surface temperatures of 29–30°C (84–86°F).[1] At 18:00UTC, the JMA classified the system as a tropical depression, citing obscure deep convection but noting favorable environmental conditions.[2] Around 19:30UTC, the JTWC issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert after observing persistent convection along the LLCC.[3] The next day at 09:00UTC, the agency issued its first advisory on the system, designating it as 32W as convection became more organized around the center.[4] Convective banding subsequently began obscuring the LLCC as the system's circulation remained somewhat disorganized with flaring convection.[5][6]
Throughout November5, the depression maintained its intensity while drifting eastward, steered by a subtropical ridge to the north. Satellite imagery noted a broad and partially exposed LLCC as the system remained expansive in size.[7] The JMA noted that the system's structure had limited firmness, causing it to maintain its intensity.[8] The JTWC, meanwhile, found the system attempting to gain organization.[9] At 18:00UTC, the system had become better organized, and the JMA upgraded it to tropical storm status, naming it Fung-wong as it began tracking west-northwestward.[10] At 03:00UTC on November6, the JTWC also upgraded the system to a tropical storm, citing deepening convection and steady consolidation.[11][12] The JMA eventually upgraded Fung-wong to a severe tropical storm due to a favorable environment as it moved west along the southern periphery of a subtropical high.[13][14] Convective banding wrapped around the center more tightly as the circulation showed signs of consolidation.[15]
The next day, the JTWC reported that deep convective bands had wrapped tightly around the circulation, obscuring the LLCC.[16] At 17:00PHT (09:00UTC), PAGASA assigned Fung-wong the local name Uwan–meaning "rain" in the Cebuano language, and the replacement for Urduja after its retirement in 2017–even though the system remained outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) as outer rainbands had already begun affecting parts of the country.[17][18] This marked the second instance on record, after Tropical Depression Romina—which subsequently became Tropical Storm Pabuk—in 2024, in which PAGASA issued a local name before a system entered the PAR. At 15:00UTC, the JTWC upgraded the system to a typhoon, citing an increasingly favorable environment,[19][20] with the JMA following suit three hours later.[21] Later that same day, however, the JTWC reported that Fung-wong's structure had become disorganized, noting fragmented upper-level banding.[22] By November8, increasing wind shear of 25–30 knots (46–56km/h; 29–35mph) and cooler sea surface temperatures temporarily slowed further intensification.[23] Nevertheless, strong radial outflow persisted, and deep convection continued wrapping around the center.[24] During the early hours of November9, the system began strengthening again, prompting the JMA to upgrade it to a very strong typhoon.[25] Satellite imagery showed a cloud-filled, slightly asymmetric eye as the typhoon contended with easterly shear, though continued outflow allowed it to strengthen further while tracking east of Manila.[26]
At 08:00PHT (00:00UTC), PAGASA reported that Fung-wong had rapidly intensified into a super typhoon, estimating sustained winds of 185km/h (115mph) with gusts reaching 230km/h (145mph), along with an expansive diameter of about 1,800km (1,100 miles).[27][28] By 09:00UTC, the JTWC assessed the storm's one-minute sustained winds at 215km/h (135mph).[29] At approximately 21:10PHT (13:10UTC), Fung-wong made landfall in Dinalungan, Aurora, as a super typhoon.[30] The storm weakened significantly while traversing north-central Luzon before emerging over the coastal waters of La Union by 05:00PHT on November10 (21:00UTC on November9), with its convective structure already deteriorating.[31] After entering the South China Sea, Fung-wong began curving northwestward along the southern periphery of a subtropical ridge.[32]
By 03:00UTC on November10, the JMA downgraded the typhoon to a severe tropical storm as continued land interaction weakened the system.[33][34] As deep convection pulsed along the western side of the circulation, the JMA assessed the system's structure as lacking coherence. At the same time, the JTWC noted that Fung-wong's forward motion had slowed markedly.[35][36] At 05:00PHT on November11 (21:00UTC on the previous day), the system exited the PAR while maintaining its prevailing intensity.[37] The JTWC reported that Fung-wong then began accelerating as it rounded a steering ridge to the northeast, though it continued to struggle with reorganization.[38] Subsequent analysis highlighted a pronounced vertical tilt and a ragged appearance, along with increasingly unfavorable conditions including elevated wind shear and falling sea surface temperatures.[39] The JTWC subsequently downgraded Fung-wong to a tropical storm at 09:00UTC.[40] Satellite imagery later indicated a fully exposed LLCC and a poorly defined eye, with convection having dissipated entirely.[41] The JMA downgraded the system to a tropical storm at 00:00UTC on November12.[42] At 17:00PHT (09:00UTC), the system re-entered the PAR, with PAGASA again classifying it as a tropical storm.[43] At 19:40TST (11:40UTC), Fung-wong made landfall in Hengchun Township in Pingtung County, Taiwan as a tropical storm.[44] Continuing northeastward, PAGASA downgraded the system to a tropical depression at 23:00PHT (15:00UTC).[45] At 00:00UTC on November13, the JMA further downgraded the system to a developing low.[46] At 11:00PHT (03:00UTC), PAGASA reported that Fung-wong had downgraded into a low-pressure area.[47] At 15:00UTC, the JTWC issued its final warning while downgrading the system to a tropical depression.[48]
Preparations
Philippines
Fung-wong (Uwan) Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) Bulletin No. 9, showing Signal No. 5: the highest signal in TCWS.
PAGASA started tracking Fung-wong on November 4 as they began issuing tropical cyclone advisories on the then-tropical depression located to the east of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). As early as this advisory, forecasts already indicated that Fung-wong would develop further into a super typhoon (in PAGASA's scale) before making landfall over Northern Luzon.[49] Warning of the storm's wide circulation (around 700 kilometers or 430 miles), PAGASA called on residents to begin preparations as early as November 7, three days before its predicted landfall.[50] Numerous areas were issued TCWS Signal No. 1 at 17:00PHT (09:00UTC) on November 7.[17] Twelve hours later, Catanduanes, the northern and central portions of Northern Samar, the northeastern portion of Samar, and the northern portion of Eastern Samar were placed in Signal No. 2.[51] At 17:00PHT (09:00UTC) on November 8, Catanduanes, the eastern portion of Camarines Sur, the eastern portion of Albay, the northeastern portion of Sorsogon, and the northeastern portion of Northern Samar were placed in Signal No. 3.[52] Six hours later, Catanduanes was placed in Signal No. 4.[53] As more areas were placed in Signal No. 4,[54] Signal No. 5 was issued for the Polillo Islands, the northern portion of Camarines Norte, and the eastern portion of Camarines Sur.[55] As the typhoon traversed Luzon, more areas were placed in Signal No. 5, including parts of Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.[56] Eventually, at 02:00PHT (18:00UTC the previous day) on November 10, all Signal No. 5 alerts were removed.[57] By 11:00PHT (03:00UTC), all Signal No. 4 alerts were removed;[58] all Signal No. 3 alerts were also removed six hours later.[59]
Fung-wong immediately followed the passing of another typhoon in the Philippines just one week prior, Typhoon Kalmaegi. Following damage in the Visayas region as a result of Kalmaegi and with forecasts predicting super typhoon (>185km/h or 115mph) intensity with the emergence of Fung-wong, the entire country was placed under a national state of calamity on November 6.[60] Rescue operations for victims of Kalmaegi were suspended beginning November 8.[61] The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) estimated that 30.8 million people could be exposed to the effects of the storm.[62] Preparations for Fung-wong started while disaster response from Kalmaegi was still ongoing.[63] The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) immediately called for local governments to start preparations, as the Philippine National Police began to activate disaster response plans and prepare response teams.[64] Both agencies implemented forced evacuations in high-risk areas.[65] The Armed Forces of the Philippines suspended its DAGIT-PA field exercises involving its Northern Luzon and Western Commands and deployed personnel to assist in disaster response.[66] The Department of Health went on heightened alert as health supplies containing a number of essential medicines were prepositioned in various regions of Luzon.[67]
By November 9, more than 1,100,000 people across Luzon and Visayas had been preemptively evacuated.[79] Approximately 6,607 passengers, crew, and cargo staff in 86 ports nationwide had also become stranded as sea travel was suspended by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).[80] The PCG was also placed on full alert in preparation for the typhoon.[81] Classes at all levels were suspended on November 10 and 11 across all regions of Luzon (Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, NCR, and CAR) and Visayas (Regions VI, VII, VIII, and NIR). Government work was also suspended in all of Luzon and in Eastern Visayas (VIII).[82] The number coding scheme in Metro Manila was also suspended for November 10.[83]
On November 10, the Central Weather Administration issued a sea warning for Fung-wong, with waves of up to 6m (20ft) forecast in southern and southeastern Taiwan, the Hengchun Peninsula, and Penghu.[99] Meteorologists warned of more than 350mm (14in) of torrential rain, while authorities said nearly 5,000 people were to be evacuated in three townships of Hualien County.[100] On November 11, the CWA issued a land warning for the storm, covering Kaohsiung, Pingtung County, and the Hengchun Peninsula.[101] It also issued an "extreme torrential rain" advisory for Yilan County.[102] Schools and offices in Taoyuan, Yilan, Hualien and Penghu, as well as in parts of New Taipei were ordered closed beginning that same day.[103] Services on the Pingxi, Shen'ao and the South Link lines were suspended, while a section of Provincial Highway 9 between Guangfu and Fenglin townships in Hualien and the Southern Cross-Island Highway between Xiangyang and Lidao in Haiduan Township of Taitung County was closed.[104] Twenty-two shelters were opened in New Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Hualien.[105] All scheduled domestic flights in Taiwan were cancelled beginning on November 12.[106]
Hong Kong
On November 9, the Hong Kong Observatory stated that it would issue the Standby Signal No. 1 in the afternoon the following day as the typhoon would enter within 800 km (500 mi) of Hong Kong.[107] On the next day, the HKO issued the Standby Signal No. 1 at 12:20HKT (04:20UTC)[108] and cancelled all Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals at 21:40 HKT (13:40 UTC)[109]. Before issuing the Strong Monsoon Signal[zh] at 21:41HKT (13:41UTC)[110]and cancelling it at 11:40 HKT (03:40 HKT) the next day.[111]
Macau
On November 9, the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau stated that it would issue Signal No. 1 once the typhoon enters within 800km (500mi) of Macau.[112] The next day, the SMG issued Signal No. 1 at 14:00MST (06:00UTC)[113]and cancelled all Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals at 21:00 MST (13:00 UTC)[114].
On the morning of November 10, immediately after Fung-wong's landfall, 149 areas in various parts of Central Luzon had begun flooding. 1,315,739 people from 13 regions were preemptively evacuated, with 482,614 displaced from their homes, 395,826 of which were staying inside government evacuation centers. Power outages were reported in 170 municipalities, water supply was disrupted in 15, and communication lines were cut in 14—all within the Bicol Region. An estimated ₱4.75 million(US$96,393.12) worth of assistance was provided to affected families. Over 894 search, rescue, and retrieval teams were deployed, with another 3,497 on standby.[116] At least 312 schools were heavily damaged,[117] along with 26 police facilities.[118] Four vessels ran aground in separate incidents in Antique, Batangas and Palawan.[119] A landing craft tank rammed into a seawall in the Caubian Islands.[120] At least 4,100 houses were damaged, while 105 roads and 46 bridges were rendered impassable.[121] Around 17 million people lost access to electricity, with the Department of Energy warning that repairs on energy infrastructure could take a month.[122] Total damage in the Philippines was recorded at ₱4.92 billion(US$99.89 million), including ₱2 billion(US$40.62 million) in agricultural damage and ₱2.68 billion(US$54.43 million) in infrastructure damage, while the NDRRMC said at least 7.5 million people were affected.[123]
Fung-wong left at least 33 people dead and 52 others injured in the Philippines.[123][124] One person drowned in Catanduanes while another was killed after being trapped under debris in Catbalogan.[125] Three people were killed by landslides in Nueva Vizcaya,[126] including two children in Kayapa,[127] while four others were injured.[128] Sixteen people were killed while eight others were injured and two reported missing in landslides across the Cordillera Administrative Region.[129] Two injuries were recorded in Catanduanes and Calinog, Iloilo.[130] Two people were injured in Quezon City by an electronic billboard that was toppled by strong winds.[131] Power outages disrupted operations of the MRT Line 3.[132] Flooding occurred in parts of Bicol,[133] while storm surges reaching up to 4m (13ft) were observed in Catanduanes and Albay.[134] Lahar flows also occurred in Albay.[135] In Camarines Sur, a section of the Calabanga–Tinambac Road was blocked due to falling debris. The Tinambac–Tamban Road and the Tinambac–Goa Road were also closed.[136] A rail bridge was damaged in Guinobatan, Albay, forcing the Philippine National Railways to suspend its Naga–Legazpi route.[137] In Virac, Catanduanes, up to 392.4mm (15.45in) of rain was recorded from November 8 to 9, approaching the monthly average, while in Legazpi, Albay, 266mm (10.5in) of rain was recorded in the same period. In Daet, 215mm (8.5in) of rain was recorded.[138]Virac Airport and the Virac seaport sustained heavy damage.[139]
Water levels at Laguna de Bay reached 12.7m (42ft), exceeding its critical level of 12.5m (41ft).[140] In Aurora, a section of the Baler–Casiguran Highway was closed in Dipaculao after large waves breached the road. One person was injured in the province after falling from a roof.[141] Four towns were isolated,[142] while a seawall collapsed in Baler following a storm surge.[143] The province was subsequently placed under a state of calamity,[144] along with the provinces of Albay,[145]Camarines Sur,[146]Eastern Samar, Northern Samar,[147] and Pangasinan.[148] A landslide in Naga, Cebu injured six people and damaged nine houses.[149] Flooding also occurred in Zamboanga City, displacing around 4,047 residents.[150] A seawall partially collapsed in Navotas, causing waist-deep flooding.[151] A pumping station was damaged in Paco, Manila after water levels at the Pasig River reached 12m (39ft).[152] A flash flood in Apayao caused the Chico River to overflow, causing extensive flooding downstream in Cagayan.[153] Water levels at the Cagayan River under the Buntun Bridge in Tuguegarao reached 9.9m (32ft), exceeding its critical level of 9m (30ft).[126] The bridge was subsequently closed to traffic after water levels reached 12m (39ft), marking the first time it closed due to a tropical cyclone.[154] The Pampanga government reported the flooding of 73 villages throughout the province;[155] the towns of Masantol and Macabebe experienced 1 to 3 feet (0.30 to 0.91 metres) of flooding.[156] A dike partially collapsed in Obando, Bulacan.[157] Large waves damaged two structures in Iloilo City, while several houses were struck by falling trees in Butuan.[158] In Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, agricultural and infrastructure damage was estimated at ₱150 million(US$3.05 million).[159]
Taiwan
Fung-wong left at least 95 people injured in Taiwan, while more than 8,500 others were evacuated.[160] In addition, an elderly woman drowned in her flooded home in Suao Township, Yilan County.[161] In Hualien County, the Matai'an Creek overflowed, inundating the village of Mingli.[162] This was further exacerbated by a barrier lake that overflowed on November 13.[163] Parts of Yilan County received up to 783.5mm (30.85in) of rain, resulting in 60cm (24in) of flooding in parts of the county. In Dongshan Township, sections of the embankment along Ankeng Creek were severely damaged.[164]
Typhoon Babs (Loleng; 1998)– a deadlier and slightly more powerful Category 4 typhoon that caused similar impacts to the same areas affected by Fung-wong
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