The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people 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 the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
