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 reported that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
