The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
Our team saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
