The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
