The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences being swept away by strong flows.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
