The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
