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The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.

Officials stated that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.

Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.

Our team rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”

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

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.

According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.

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

Response and Recovery

The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.

Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.

Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.

Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.

Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.

Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.

The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.