The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “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.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
