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The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.

Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.

Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations

In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.

Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”

As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.

Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.

The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres 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 hundreds of lives with another 135 missing before moving on 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 frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.

Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled in the past twenty years.

Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.

The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.