The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing 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 frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
