The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen 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 damage to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
