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 powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way 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, home to the national capital.
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 more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated 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 Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Researchers have found 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 an average of millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
