The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
