The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
