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The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.

Officials stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.

Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts

In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.

Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”

By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.

Typhoon Strength and Projected Path

The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.

According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.

The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.

Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.

Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.

International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.

The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.