The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
