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 caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
