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.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of people across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning 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 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching 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 thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
