The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.