The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water 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 and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
