The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
