The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
