The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
Our team rescued fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. “A father 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.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, 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 continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated 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 dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
