The Philippines has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of millions of people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
