The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage 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 just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
