The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. “A father 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.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
