The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
