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The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.

Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of people nationwide.

Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.

“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”

By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.

Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.

The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.

Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.

Recent Context and Environmental Factors

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

Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.

Global warming is making cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks 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.

International estimates indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.

The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.