The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming 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 super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
