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The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.

Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of people across the country.

Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts

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

Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”

As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.

Typhoon Strength and Projected Path

The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.

Per the state weather service, 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 projected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

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

Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.

Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.

International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.

The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.