The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
