The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
