The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
