The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
