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.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood 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 due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
