The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation 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 residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% 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 Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
