The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
