The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in an average of millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
