The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
