The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes 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 explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
