The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage 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 just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
