The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
