The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making 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 doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
