The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in damage to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
