The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes 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 Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system 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 evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
