The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
