The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded 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 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 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 with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
