The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency last week because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
