The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses 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. One resident 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, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
