The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in an average of millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
