The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, 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, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in an average of millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
