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.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, 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 national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
