The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 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 his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
