The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 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 dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
