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 massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working 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 Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended recently 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.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
