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The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.

Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.

Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations

In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.

Our team saved fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”

By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.

Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped 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 north toward Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.

Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.

Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled in the past twenty years.

International estimates suggest that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.

The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.