The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, 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 documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
