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The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.

Officials stated that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.

Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes washed out by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”

As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

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

Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.

The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.

Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.

Recent Context and Environmental Factors

Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.

Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.

Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.

The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.