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.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected 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 assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
