The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
