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The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.

Authorities reported that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of residents across the country.

Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.

Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”

As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Projected Path

The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.

Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.

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

Response and Recovery

The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.

Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

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

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

The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.

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

International estimates suggest that intense storms result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.

The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.