The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause 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 caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
