The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon 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, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
