The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
