The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, 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, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and common. 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 by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
