The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted 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 striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
