The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines 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.
