The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, 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 north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
