The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed 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 to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
