Super Typhoon Uwan battered northern Philippines in November 2025, causing 25 deaths and displacing over 1.4 million people. The UN praised the country's preparedness but warned of more frequent powerful storms due to the climate crisis. At COP30, delegates discussed the urgent need for adaptation funding.
Super Typhoon Uwan (internationally Fung-wong) made landfall in Dinalungan, Aurora, on November 9, 2025, with peak winds of 185 km/h. According to PAGASA, it was the 21st tropical cyclone of the year and the second in November after Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi). It triggered severe floods and landslides, causing most of the 25 deaths and two missing persons, particularly in the Cordillera region.
Over 1.4 million people were evacuated before landfall, saving lives as per UN Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral. However, 480,000 remain displaced, and areas like a town in Isabela are still inaccessible due to landslides. In Virac, Catanduanes, resident Jossa Floranza said, 'We thought we were safe here... I am very tired of this. So tired.'
At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, starting November 11, delegates emphasized adaptation amid stalled emissions reductions. A UN report states developing countries need up to $310 billion annually by 2035. Germany and Spain pledged $100 million to the Climate Investment Funds, while 10 development banks channeled $26 billion last year for adaptation.
UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said, 'Strong typhoons such as Fung-wong will unfortunately be more likely as the climate crisis drives sea temperatures higher.' CIF CEO Tariye Gbadegesin welcomed adaptation as the focus for the first two days of COP30. As Uwan weakened outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility on November 11, it is expected to reenter and hit Taiwan. The Philippines ranks 7th in the Climate Risk Index, reflecting 371 extreme events from 1995-2024 causing 27,500 deaths and $35 billion in damages.
