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The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.

Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of millions of people across the country.

Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations

In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.

Our team saved fourteen people 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, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”

As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Projected Path

The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.

According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.

The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The national disaster response service stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.

The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.

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

Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.

The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.