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The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.

Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.

Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts

In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”

By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way on Samar island.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.

Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.

The storm system is expected to continue weakening 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 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.

The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.

Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.

International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.

The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.