The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to 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 while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in an average of millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
