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 triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
