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The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.

Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.

Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”

As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.

According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.

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

Response and Recovery

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

Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.

Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.

International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.

The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.