🔗 Share this article

The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.

Authorities stated that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.

Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”

As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.

According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.

The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.

Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.

Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.

The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.

Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.

Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.

The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.