The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
