The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
