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.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
