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.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of millions of people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, 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, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over 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, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
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 it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
