The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house 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 by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
