The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
Our team rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
