The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened 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, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
