The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
