The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences 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 explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction 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 just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
