What's happened
As of November 10, 2025, the Philippines faces severe impacts from Super Typhoon Fung-wong following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed over 200 people. Fung-wong made landfall Sunday with winds up to 185 kph, causing heavy rains, flooding, and forcing evacuations of over 1.3 million people. The storm disrupted rescue efforts and is expected to affect Taiwan next. The region braces for ongoing recovery amid repeated disasters.
What's behind the headline?
Repeated Typhoon Strikes Expose Vulnerabilities
The back-to-back landfalls of Typhoons Kalmaegi and Fung-wong highlight the Philippines' acute vulnerability to natural disasters. Despite extensive evacuations—over 1.3 million people moved ahead of Fung-wong—the death toll from Kalmaegi exceeded 200, underscoring challenges in disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience.
Compounding Crises
The Philippines is grappling with overlapping crises: recent earthquakes, ongoing recovery from Kalmaegi, and now Fung-wong's destructive path. This convergence strains emergency services, disrupts rescue operations, and delays recovery efforts, especially in flood-prone and landslide-susceptible regions like Cebu and Aurora.
Climate Change and Increasing Storm Intensity
Scientific consensus points to climate change as a driver of more intense and frequent storms in the Pacific typhoon belt. Warmer ocean temperatures fuel rapid intensification, as seen with Fung-wong's sustained winds reaching 185 kph. This trend will likely increase the frequency of such devastating events, demanding urgent adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Regional and International Implications
Fung-wong's trajectory toward Taiwan and the South China Sea signals broader regional impacts, including heavy rains and flooding beyond the Philippines. Vietnam, still recovering from Kalmaegi, faces renewed threats. The readiness of international allies like the US and Japan to assist reflects geopolitical and humanitarian dimensions of disaster response.
Forecast and Recommendations
The Philippines must accelerate infrastructure reinforcement, improve early warning systems, and enhance community-level preparedness. International cooperation and climate resilience funding will be critical. For residents, continued vigilance and adherence to evacuation orders remain essential as the storm season persists.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports on Fung-wong's landfall with sustained winds of 115 mph and the suspension of rescue operations for over 100 missing people, emphasizing the storm's immediate threat to the Philippines and Taiwan. Jason Gutierrez of the New York Times provides human perspectives from evacuees in Bacoor, highlighting the fear and disruption caused by Fung-wong, while noting the lower death toll compared to Kalmaegi due to proactive evacuations. The Independent and Reuters detail the extensive preparations, including state of emergency declarations and evacuations of tens of thousands, underscoring the government's response to the dual typhoon threat. SBS and Reuters also focus on the meteorological aspects, warning of life-threatening storm surges and heavy rainfall, with PAGASA forecasters stressing the typhoon's vast reach across the archipelago. Coverage of Typhoon Kalmaegi by Reuters, NY Post, and Al Jazeera reveals the severe flooding and fatalities in Cebu and other provinces, as well as the tragic crash of a military helicopter during relief efforts. France 24 and Al Jazeera provide vivid descriptions of unprecedented flooding in Cebu, with local officials calling the situation devastating. The New York Times and AP News highlight the compounded challenges of Kalmaegi following a recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake, illustrating the layered nature of disasters in the region. Together, these sources paint a comprehensive picture of a nation under siege by natural disasters, with human stories, government actions, and scientific warnings interwoven throughout.
How we got here
The Philippines, prone to about 20 typhoons annually, was recently struck by Typhoon Kalmaegi, causing over 200 deaths and widespread destruction. Just days later, Super Typhoon Fung-wong approached with even stronger winds and heavy rains, prompting massive evacuations and emergency responses. The country is still recovering from recent earthquakes and previous storms, compounding the disaster impact.
Go deeper
- How did the Philippines prepare for Typhoon Fung-wong after Kalmaegi?
- What are the long-term impacts of these typhoons on the Philippines?
- How is climate change affecting typhoon intensity in Southeast Asia?
Common question
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What You Need to Know About Typhoon Kalmaegi
Typhoon Kalmaegi is approaching the Philippines with significant strength, prompting urgent safety measures and evacuation plans. If you're living in or near the affected areas, understanding the storm's severity, safety protocols, and how to prepare can make all the difference. Below, we answer the most common questions about this powerful typhoon to help you stay informed and safe.
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How Are Countries Preparing for Typhoon Kalmaegi?
As Typhoon Kalmaegi approaches the Philippines with powerful winds and storm surges, countries in storm-prone regions are taking urgent steps to prepare. From evacuation plans to disaster response strategies, understanding how nations gear up for such natural threats can help residents stay safe. Below, explore key questions about disaster preparedness and what you can do to protect yourself during typhoons.
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What Is the Impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi on the Philippines and Vietnam?
Typhoon Kalmaegi has caused widespread devastation in the Philippines and is now threatening Vietnam. Many are asking how many people have been affected, what damage has been done, and what the future holds. Here’s everything you need to know about this powerful storm and its regional impact.
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How Severe Is Typhoon Kalmaegi and What Damage Has It Caused?
Typhoon Kalmaegi has recently swept through the Philippines, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. With severe flooding, infrastructure damage, and ongoing relief efforts, many are wondering just how serious this storm is. Below, we answer key questions about Kalmaegi's impact, current updates, and what to expect next.
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How Are Climate Disasters Influencing Refugee Policies Worldwide?
Recent climate disasters like typhoons and floods are reshaping how countries approach refugee policies. As extreme weather events become more frequent, governments are faced with tough decisions on how to respond. This raises questions about the future of refugee admissions, humanitarian aid, and international cooperation. Below, we explore the key issues and what they mean for vulnerable populations around the globe.
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What Are the Latest Major Weather Disasters This Week?
This week has seen significant weather events impacting communities worldwide. From devastating typhoons to earthquakes, understanding these disasters helps us stay informed and prepared. Below, find answers to common questions about recent weather emergencies, how countries are responding, and what we can do to prepare for future events.
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How Are Typhoons Impacting the Philippines and What’s the Outlook?
The Philippines is currently facing severe impacts from back-to-back typhoons, including Typhoon Kalmaegi and Super Typhoon Fung-wong. These storms have caused widespread flooding, destruction, and loss of life, raising questions about why the region is so vulnerable and what the future holds. Below, we explore the reasons behind the frequent typhoons, the areas most affected, how communities are coping, and what experts predict for the upcoming typhoon season.
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What’s next for the Philippines after back-to-back typhoons?
The Philippines is currently grappling with the aftermath of two devastating typhoons—Typhoon Kalmaegi and Super Typhoon Fung-wong—that have caused widespread destruction and loss of life. As the nation begins recovery efforts, many are asking what steps are being taken to rebuild, how international aid is helping, and what can be done to better prepare for future storms. Here’s what you need to know about the Philippines’ path forward after these natural disasters.
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