The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities 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 millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
