The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual 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, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
