The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main 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, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
