The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
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.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in 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 caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
