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The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.

Authorities stated that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of residents across the country.

Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.

“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”

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

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.

According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.

The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.

Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.

Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

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

Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.

International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.

The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.