The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
