The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
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 tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches 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 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
