The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
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, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
