The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
