The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at 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 indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
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 rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
