The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
