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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.

Authorities stated that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.

Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.

Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”

By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.

Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.

The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The country’s emergency management agency 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 Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.

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

Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.

Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.

The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.