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.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds 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 in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
