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The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.

Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.

Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.

“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”

By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.

According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.

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

Relief and Assessment

The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.

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

Recent Context and Environmental Factors

Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.

Searches for the missing persons 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 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.

Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.

International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.

The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.