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.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over 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, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
