The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
