The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone 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 sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
