The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and common. 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 suggest that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
