The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
