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 massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
