The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father frantically contacted us, 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, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
