The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
