The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
