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The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.

Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.

Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.

Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”

By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.

According to the state weather service, 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 while heading in the direction of Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.

Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

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

Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.

Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.

The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.