The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of residents across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
