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The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.

Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.

Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes washed out by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”

As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.

Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.

The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

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

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

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

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

The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.

Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.

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

The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.