The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water 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 due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
