The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
