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The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.

Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.

Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts

In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.

Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”

By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

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

According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.

The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.

Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.

Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.

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

Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.

International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.

The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.