The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
