The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
