The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: 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 early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
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 storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
