The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away 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 another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
