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The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.

Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.

Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”

As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm 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 decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.

The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.

Recent Context and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

Global warming is making cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.

Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.

Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.

The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.