The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
