The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
Our team 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, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
