The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is making tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
