The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
