The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in an average of millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
