The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
Our team saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped 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 while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
