The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences being swept away by strong flows.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
