The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
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 an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
