The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer 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.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over 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 more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, 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 were halted recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
