The island nation was severely impacted 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 powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected 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.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
