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

Officials reported that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.

Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations

In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.

“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood 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, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.

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

The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.

Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.

Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

Global warming is making tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.

Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.

Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.

The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.