The Philippines is bracing for the arrival of Typhoon Uwan, internationally known as Fung-wong, while recovery efforts continue following the deadly Typhoon Tino.
Uwan is currently categorized as a severe tropical storm and is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Friday evening or Saturday morning, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The storm is forecasted to intensify rapidly and could reach super typhoon strength by Saturday evening or Sunday morning.
PAGASA noted that Uwan might match the intensity of Typhoon Pepito, which remained within the PAR for over three days with winds reaching 195 km/hr. Pepito severely impacted parts of Central and Northern Luzon in November 2024, causing approximately P266 million in agricultural damages.
The same regions affected by Pepito are being closely monitored as likely sites for Uwan's initial landfall.
The approach of Uwan comes amid ongoing emergency response operations for Typhoon Tino, which has claimed at least 188 lives across various provinces.
"Uwan may be as strong as Typhoon Pepito, which stayed within PAR for three days and 15 hours with winds as fast as 195 km/hr." — PAGASA
"Typhoon Tino has left at least 188 people dead across several provinces."
Author's summary: The Philippines faces renewed challenges as Typhoon Uwan threatens to strengthen while communities continue to heal from Typhoon Tino's deadly impact.