The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed 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 peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
