The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
