The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce 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, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
