The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to 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 storm system is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
