The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
