The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per 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 storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
