The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
