The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts 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 national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
