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The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.

Officials reported that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of people nationwide.

Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts

In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.

“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”

By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.

According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased 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.

Relief and Assessment

The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.

Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

Global warming is making tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.

Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.

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

The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.