The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm 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, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
