The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
