The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over 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 peaked at more than 275 km/h.
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 tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
