The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
