The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main 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 were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
