The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
