The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences 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. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
