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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 over a million residents.

Authorities reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of people across the country.

Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations

In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.

“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”

By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

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

Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, 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.

Response and Recovery

The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.

Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.

Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

Global warming is making cyclones more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.

Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.

Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.

The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.