The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of people across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
