The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
