The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
