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.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts 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 assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
