The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
