The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
