The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued 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.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
