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The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.

Authorities stated that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.

Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.

“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”

As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.

Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.

The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.

Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.

Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

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

Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.

International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.

The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.