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.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.