The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of people across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
