The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected 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 evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
