The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over 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, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
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 indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
