The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
