The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
