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 triggered widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive 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, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
