The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
