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The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.

Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.

Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father 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, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.

Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.

The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.

Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for those still missing were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.

Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.

Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.

Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.

The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.