Houses are seen submerged in IIlagan, Isabela Province, northern Philippines on Tuesday, 11, 2025.
Taiwan braced for impact on Wednesday as Tropical Storm Fung-wong approached its southern coast, prompting large-scale evacuations and shutdowns. Over 8,300 residents were evacuated from vulnerable coastal and mountain areas as authorities issued flood and wind warnings across several regions.
Evacuations Ahead of Storm Landfall
The Central Weather Administration confirmed that 8,326 people had been evacuated, mainly from Hualien County on Taiwan’s eastern coast. The area, still recovering from a deadly typhoon in September that killed 18 people, faced renewed threats of floods and landslides.
By Wednesday morning, Fung-wong was located about 140 kilometers southwest of Taiwan in the South China Sea, moving northeast at 16 kph (10 mph). The storm was expected to make landfall later in the day, grazing the island’s southern region before heading out to sea by nightfall.
Fung-wong Weakens After Philippines Devastation
Just days earlier, Typhoon Fung-wong had struck the Philippines as a super typhoon, leaving widespread devastation. The storm unleashed flooding, landslides, and power outages, claiming at least 27 lives.
As it moved closer to Taiwan, Fung-wong weakened to a tropical storm but continued to bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds. Authorities remained cautious, emphasizing that the storm’s residual strength still posed serious risks of flash floods and mudslides in low-lying and mountainous regions.
Heavy Rain and Flooding Hit Early
Even before landfall, the storm triggered torrential rains and flooding across Taiwan’s central and southern regions. According to the National Fire Agency, 51 people were injured by storm-related incidents as of Wednesday morning.
In Hualien, an overflowing creek submerged parts of a village, sweeping away vehicles. Local media broadcast dramatic footage of a car being carried off by rushing floodwaters. Emergency teams rushed to rescue stranded residents and reinforce flood barriers as rainfall continued.
Schools and Offices Shut Across Multiple Cities
The government ordered widespread closures in the storm’s projected path. Schools and offices were shut down in Kaohsiung, Tainan, Taichung, and Pingtung, as well as Chiayi and Miaoli counties.
In contrast, the capital city Taipei, located in the north, remained largely unaffected and continued normal operations. Authorities advised residents in other parts of the island to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Warnings for Coastal Areas
Meteorologists issued warnings about high waves expected to reach 3 to 5 meters (10 to 16 feet) along Taiwan’s coastlines. Officials urged the public to stay away from beaches and waterfronts to avoid being swept away by rough seas.
Residents were also told to secure loose objects like signboards, fences, and flowerpots to prevent damage from gusting winds. Local emergency response teams remained on high alert, ready for potential search and rescue operations if conditions worsened.
The Philippines Still Reeling from Fung-wong’s Wrath
While Taiwan prepared for the storm, the Philippines continued its recovery efforts. According to the Office of Civil Defense, more than 623,000 people remained in evacuation centers after Fung-wong’s devastating passage.
Many of the fatalities occurred in landslides across the Cordillera region, a mountainous area famous for its cool climate, strawberry fields, and scenic rice terraces. The disaster turned popular tourist destinations into danger zones overnight.
Taiwan on Alert as Fung-wong Moves Closer
Though weakened, Tropical Storm Fung-wong remained a serious threat to southern Taiwan. Authorities stressed continued vigilance as the storm approached landfall, warning that flooding and landslides could persist even after it passes.
With thousands displaced in both the Philippines and Taiwan, the storm underscored the growing intensity of tropical cyclones across Asia. As climate patterns shift, both nations face the ongoing challenge of preparing for — and recovering from — increasingly powerful storms like Fung-wong.
