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.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
