The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading 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.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
