The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of millions of people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
