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The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.

Officials reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.

Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”

As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.

According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.

The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

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

Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.

Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.

Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.

International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.

The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.