The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
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, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
