The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
