The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased 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.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
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 Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week because of the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
