The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
