The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
