The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
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 those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
