The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength 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.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at 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 it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists 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 approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
