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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 powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of people across the country.

Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by the powerful currents.

Our team saved 14 individuals stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”

By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Projected Path

The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.

Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.

The storm system is expected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.

Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.

Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.

The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.