The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday 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.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
