The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, 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 projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms 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, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
