The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
