The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
