🔗 Share this article

The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.

Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.

Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations

In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”

By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Projected Path

The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.

According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.

The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Recent Context and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. 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 by more than 100% in the past twenty years.

Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.

The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.