The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
