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.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and common. 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 increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
