Super Typhoon Phanfone, locally known as Uwan, struck the Philippines late Sunday night with devastating force, prompting the evacuation of nearly one million people from vulnerable coastal provinces.
According to the Philippine weather bureau, the storm made landfall in Aurora province on Luzon Island around 9:10 p.m. local time, packing sustained winds of 185 km/h and gusts up to 230 km/h. Though it weakened slightly after landfall, Phanfone remains a powerful typhoon moving northwestward.
Authorities warned of life-threatening storm surges, heavy rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters, and the risk of flash floods and landslides across Luzon. Early reports indicate widespread damage to homes, power outages, and flight cancellations—over 300 flights have been grounded, and several airports remain closed.
The Civil Defense Office confirmed two deaths, including a man who drowned and a woman recovered from debris. Emergency shelters are hosting thousands of displaced residents as relief operations intensify.
Officials say the storm is expected to leave Philippine territory by Monday, moving toward Taiwan.
Source: Local Media Reports, Philippine Weather Bureau.