The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
Per 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 more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks 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.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
