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.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm 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 were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
