The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
