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 stated that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the rate 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 an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
