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The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.

Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of people across the country.

Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.

“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”

As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest 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 were still reaching over 170 mph.

The storm system is expected 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 evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.

Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.

Global warming is making cyclones stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.

Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.

Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.

The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.