The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
