The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working 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 Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
