The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting 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, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated 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 toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
