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.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof 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: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
