The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
