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The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.

Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.

Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.

Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”

By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.

According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.

The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.

Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.

Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.

Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.

International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.

The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.