The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof 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 due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
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 it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency last week because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
