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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.

Officials reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.

Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts

In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes washed out by the powerful currents.

Our team rescued 14 individuals 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 his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”

By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.

According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.

The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.

Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Recent Context and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.

The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.

Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.

Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.

The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.