The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
