The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per 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 cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing 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 report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
