The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, saying 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 who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
