The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
