The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
