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The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.

Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.

Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.

Our team saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”

As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity 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, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.

The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.

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

International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.

The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.