The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed 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, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
