The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying 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 two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
