The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. 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: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
