The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
