The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
