The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
