🔗 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 stated that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.

Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations

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

“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident 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, officials announced 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 intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.

Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.

The storm system is projected to continue weakening 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.

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.

Recent Context and Environmental Factors

Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.

Searches for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.

Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.

Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.

The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.