The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country every year.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
