The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof 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 rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
