The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency last week because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
