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

Authorities stated that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.

Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts

In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”

By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.

According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.

The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.

Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.

Recent Context and Environmental Factors

The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.

Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.

Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.

International estimates suggest that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.

The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.