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The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.

Officials stated that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.

Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations

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

“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”

By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way on Samar island.

Typhoon Strength and Projected Path

The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.

Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.

The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.

Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.

Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.

Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.

Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.

The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.