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The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.

Officials stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.

Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.

Our team saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”

As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.

According to the state weather service, 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 lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.

Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.

Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.

International estimates indicate that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.

The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.