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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.

Officials reported that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.

Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations

In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.

“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”

As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.

Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.

The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.

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

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit 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.

Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.

Researchers have found that the rate 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 approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country every year.

The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.