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 reported that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
