The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest 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, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength 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 temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
