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.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
