The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
