The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected 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 have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
