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.
Officials stated that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 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 dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
