The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. “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, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
