The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
