The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
