The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of 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 temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
