The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
Our team rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing 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 tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
