The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, 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 to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context 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, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
