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

Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.

Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.

“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”

As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.

According to the state weather service, 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 while heading in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.

Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.

Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.

Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.

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

The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.