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The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.

Officials stated that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.

Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.

Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”

By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

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

Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.

The storm system is projected 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 to infrastructure and homes.

Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Recent Context and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.

Searches for those still missing were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.

The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines 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 result in an average of millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.

The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.