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The Philippines has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.

Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.

Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations

In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”

By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.

Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.

The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

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

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.

Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.

Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.

Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen doubled in the past twenty years.

Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.

The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.