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 reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength 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.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest 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 because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
