The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of residents across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
