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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 more than 1.4 million individuals.

Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.

Widespread Damage 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 saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”

As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

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

According to 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 expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

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

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

Recent Context and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.

Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.

Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.

Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.

Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.

The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.