The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading north toward 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 accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
