The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded 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 dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
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 thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
