The Philippines was severely impacted 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 massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
