On Thursday, November 7, 2025, the Philippines was hit by Typhoon Fung‑wong, just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi swept across central provinces. The typhoons caused heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides across many regions of Luzon. Residents were forced to evacuate to shelters, and millions lost access to electricity and clean water. The storms highlighted both the natural protective role of the Sierra Madre mountains and the weaknesses in the government’s disaster preparedness and response.
Storm Summary:
From the early warnings issued by PAGASA, the Philippines attempted to prepare communities in eastern Luzon for Fung‑wong’s impact. Evacuation centers were opened, and residents were urged to move to safer locations. Despite these efforts, both storms caused widespread flooding, landslides, and damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure.
The Sierra Madre mountain range, running along the eastern side of Luzon, helped reduce the intensity of the storm for some inland areas, acting as a natural shield against the typhoon’s strongest winds. However, coastal and eastern communities bore the brunt of the storm’s force, with landslides burying homes and roads, and floodwaters isolating towns.
What went wrong?
The government’s response faced many problems. Many flood-control systems and drainage projects were not strong enough, leaving towns vulnerable to flooding. Some villages did not get warnings in time, and evacuations were delayed. Houses built in low-lying areas or on hillsides were destroyed, and deforestation made landslides worse. Reports of corruption and poorly built infrastructure showed that money meant for safety was sometimes wasted. While warnings and shelters helped some people, many communities still suffered because the preparation and response were not enough.
