The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
