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The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.

Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.

Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts

In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.

Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”

As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.

According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.

The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.

The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.

Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.

International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.

The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.