The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
Our team saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island 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 while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
