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 reported that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate 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 before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency last week because of the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
