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The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.

Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of residents across the country.

Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.

Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”

As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.

According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.

The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Recent Context and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.

Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.

Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.

International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.

The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.