The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, 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 had to be suspended on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
