The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped 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 north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen 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 losses for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
