The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
Elena Hartwell is a multidisciplinary artist and educator passionate about fostering creative communities in London.