The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
