The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main 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 peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
