The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
