More than one million people have been evacuated across an area spanning hundreds of miles as Super Typhoon Fung-wong made landfall today.
The typhoon, which smashed into the Philippines' northeastern coast, saw sustained winds measuring around 185 km/h (115mph) and gusts of up to 230km/h (143mph).
The massive weather system, known locally as Uwan, spans an extraordinary 1,600 kilometres with its rain and wind band potentially affecting two-thirds of the Southeast Asian archipelago.
Philippine weather authorities, who classified the weather phenomenon as a 'Super Typhoon' after exceeding the threshold of 185kph, reported the eye of the storm hit the nation's most populous island at 9.10pm local time (1.10pm GMT).
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Ahead of the storm's arrival, the country's meteorological service warned there is a "high-risk of life-threatening and damaging storm surge".
More than 916,860 residents fled their homes across northeastern provinces as authorities conducted mass evacuations from high-risk areas.
However, the country's defence secretary, Gilberto Teodoro, warned the storm could affect up to 30 million people nationwide.
Mr Teodoro said: "We ask that people pre-emptively evacuate so that we don’t end up having to conduct rescues at the last minute, which could put the lives of police, soldiers, firefighters and coastguard personnel at risk."
Super Typhoon Fung-wong smashed into the Philippines' northeastern coast today
|REUTERS
Waves have battered the nation's coastline after wind speeds in excess of 185 km/h (115mph) were recorded
|REUTERS
The highest storm warning, Signal No5, was issued for southeastern Luzon, encompassing Catanduanes and coastal sections of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. Metro Manila and surrounding regions were placed under a Signal No3 alert.
Aviation authorities have cancelled more than 300 domestic and international flights and power outages have been reported in multiple regions.
Super Typhoon Fung-wong was expected to weaken after making landfall, but forecasters have predicted it is likely to remain a typhoon as it travels over Luzon.
"We felt very worried because of the strength of the typhoon, and we have young children to think of," Jessa Zurbano told the BBC.
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More than 300 domestic and international flights have been cancelled
|REUTERS
Another evacuee Patry Azul said: "Our house is made of wood and flimsy materials. We live close to the sea so we didn't feel safe."
The arrival of Super Typhoon Fung-wong comes just days after the country was also hit by Typhoon Kalmaegi.
At least 224 people died when the storm struck on Tuesday before it continued its destructive path to Vietnam, where five additional deaths were reported.
At least 100 people are also understood to still be missing.
Typhoon Kalmaegi killed at least 224 people just days prior
|REUTERS
In the Vietnamese town of Vung Cheo, fishing vessels were destroyed and hundreds of lobster farms sustained significant damage.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr responded to the dual catastrophe by declaring a national state of emergency.
Other officials have gone on to describe the dual event as one of the most severe weather crises to strike the Philippines this year.
Typhoon Fung-wong is expected to bring at least 200mm (8in) of rain to many parts of the country and is the 21st significant storm to hit the Philippines this year.
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