The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading 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 thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
