The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
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 more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
