The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer 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 confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening 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 thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
