🔗 Share this article

The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.

Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.

Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.

“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”

As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.

According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.

The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.

Approximately 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, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.

Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

Global warming is making tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.

Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen doubled in the past twenty years.

Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.

The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.