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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 stated that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.

Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts

In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.

Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”

As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.

According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.

The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

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

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.

Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.

The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. 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 risen doubled over the last two decades.

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 an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.