The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood 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.”
By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in an average of millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
