The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
