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 massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
