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 stated that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week because of the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
