The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof 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 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 Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
