The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
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 to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
