The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately 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, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
