The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented floodwaters 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,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
