The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading 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 tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
