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The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.

Officials reported that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.

Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations

In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.

“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”

As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Projected Path

The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.

According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.

The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.

Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

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

Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.

International estimates indicate that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.

The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.