The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in an average of millions in dollars in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
