The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
