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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.

Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.

Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.

Our team rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”

By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.

According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.

The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

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

Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

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

Global warming is making cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.

Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.

Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.

The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.