The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
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 hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
