The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
