The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
