🔗 Share this article

The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.

Officials reported that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.

Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.

Our team saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”

By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.

Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.

The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

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

Roughly 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, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

Global warming is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.

Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.

Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.

The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.