The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
