The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.