The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
