The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
