The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. 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 intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward 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 making cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers report that the frequency 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 US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
