The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
