The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
