The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
