The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
