The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
