The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
