The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone 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.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
