The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident 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, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, 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 expected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward 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 making cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.