The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon 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 flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists have found 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 an average of millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
