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

Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.

Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations

In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.

“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”

By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

The super typhoon 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 dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.

The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.

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

Recent Context and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.

The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.

Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.

International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.

The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.