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The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.

Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.

Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations

In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”

As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.

Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.

The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.

Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

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

The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.

Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.

International estimates indicate that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.

The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.