The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by strong flows.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
