The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, 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 recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
