The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded 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, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
