The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “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: one from drowning on the island and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
