The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
