🔗 Share this article

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.

Officials reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.

Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations

In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”

As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.

Per 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 continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.

Recent Context and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.

Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.

Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.

International estimates indicate that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.

The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.