The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
