The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
