Australia shuts Philippines embassy as ‘super typhoon’ claims lives

Published: November 9, 2025

Daily London

Australia’s embassy in the Philippines will close today due to the dangerous conditions super typhoon Fung-wong is bringing to Manila.

Fung-wong, known in the Philippines as Uwan, prompted more than one million evacuations in the country ahead of landfall.

Gusts of up to 230km/hr have been recorded, along with at least two deaths.

Members of the Philippine Coast Guard clear fallen trees in Virac, Catanduanes. (AP)

The Australian government’s Smartraveller website warned that the embassy in Manila would close due to “dangerous winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding”.

Landslides are expected.

“Transport, including airport closures and flight cancellations, along with essential services, may also be affected. If you’re travelling, contact your airline or travel provider,” the website said.

Damaged houses along a river in Bacayan, Cebu province, central Philippines, after Typhoon Kalmaegi devastated the province. (AP)

“Australian citizens in the affected areas, please monitor PAGASA for the latest advisories and follow instructions of local government authorities.

“If you need urgent consular assistance, please call the 24-Hour Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on +61 2 6261 3305 (standard call charges apply).”

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has declared a state of emergency due to the extensive devastation caused by earlier typhoon Kalmaegi and the expected calamity from Fung-wong.

Tropical cyclones with sustained winds of 185km/hr or higher are categorised in the Philippines as a super typhoon, a designation adopted years ago to underscore the urgency tied to more extreme weather disturbances.

Reported with Associated Press.