The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
