The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest 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 more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
