The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Damage 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 team saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
