The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
