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.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
