The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
