The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on 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 more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
