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The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.

Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.

Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.

Our team saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”

By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.

Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.

The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.

Roughly 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, which killed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.

Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.

Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.

The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.