The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over 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, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
