The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and common. 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.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
