The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
