The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
