The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to 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 cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
