The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
