The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
