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 powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
