The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals 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 about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation 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 losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
