The Philippines has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
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 meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
