The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
