The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
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 efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
