🔗 Share this article

The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.

Authorities stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.

Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.

Our team saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “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 confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over 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, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.

The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.

Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.

Recent Context and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.

Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.

Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.

Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.

International estimates indicate that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.

The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.