🔗 Share this article

The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone 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, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.

Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations

In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by strong flows.

Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”

By Monday, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.

According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.

The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.

Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.

Recent Context and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.

The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.

Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.

International estimates indicate that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.

The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.