The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per 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 expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
