The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service 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.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
