The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
