The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
