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The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.

Officials stated that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.

Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.

Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”

As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.

According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.

The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

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

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

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.

Global warming is making cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.

Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.

Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in damage to the country annually.

The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.