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The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.

Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.

Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts

In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences being swept away by strong flows.

“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”

As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.

Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.

The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.

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

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.

The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.

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

International estimates indicate that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.

The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.