The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
