The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
