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The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.

Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.

Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts

In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.

“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”

As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.

According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.

The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Recent Context and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.

Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.

International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.

The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.