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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider What makes a super typhoon dangerous

What makes a super typhoon dangerous

Published Nov 7, 2025 09:23 am
Satellite image of Severe Tropical Storm Fung-wong as of 2 a.m. on Nov. 7, 2025. The tropical cyclone is forecast to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this weekend, where it will be locally named “Uwan. It is projected to intensify into a super typhoon before making landfall over Northern or Central Luzon by Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. (Courtesy of PAGASA)
Satellite image of Severe Tropical Storm Fung-wong as of 2 a.m. on Nov. 7, 2025. The tropical cyclone is forecast to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this weekend, where it will be locally named “Uwan. It is projected to intensify into a super typhoon before making landfall over Northern or Central Luzon by Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. (Courtesy of PAGASA)
As the Philippines braces for the arrival of a powerful tropical cyclone, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is reminding communities of the extreme dangers posed by a super typhoon.
A super typhoon is the highest classification of a tropical cyclone and is defined by PAGASA as a cyclone with maximum sustained winds exceeding 185 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center.
At this speed, winds can uproot trees, snap power lines, and tear roofs from houses, leaving communities exposed and vulnerable.
Buildings of light or average construction may be flattened, while well-built homes can suffer serious roof and wall damage.
Industrial structures may collapse, and glass windows in high-rise offices could shatter, sending shards and debris flying.
Anything or anyone caught outside faces grave risk from airborne debris.
The destructive winds are often accompanied by torrential rains and storm surges, creating life-threatening floods and landslides in low-lying and mountainous areas.
Electricity, water supply, and telecommunications may be knocked out for days, and transportation systems could be paralyzed.
Crops and vegetation, including banana plantations, can be extensively damaged or destroyed, threatening local food sources.
In 2022, PAGASA revised its tropical cyclone warning system to enhance early preparedness, lowering the super typhoon threshold from 220 kph to 185 kph, following lessons from Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, which left thousands dead and countless homes in ruins across the Visayas.
Under the current tropical cyclone wind signal system, a cyclone of this intensity may trigger Signal No. 5, the highest warning level, indicating catastrophic impacts.
The Philippines has faced several destructive super typhoons in recent years, including Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, Ompong (Mangkhut) in 2018, Rolly (Goni) in 2020, and Odette (Rai) in 2021, leaving widespread devastation in their wake.
PAGASA is currently monitoring a tropical cyclone with the international name Fung-wong, which continues to intensify over the Pacific Ocean outside the Philippine area of responsibility.
It will be named “Uwan” once it enters PAR and may reach super typhoon strength before landfall.
PAGASA urged Filipinos, particularly those in areas likely to be affected, to take serious precautions, monitor updates closely, and follow official advisories as the tropical cyclone develops.
READ MORE:
mb.com.ph/2025/11/07/fung-wong-strengthens-into-severe-tropical-storm-pagasa

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UWAN FUNG-WONG SUPER TYPHOON PAGASA SIGNAL NO. 5
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