The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
