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The island nation has been hit hard 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 triggered widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of residents across the country.

Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”

By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.

Typhoon Strength and Projected Path

The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.

Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.

The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.

Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.

Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.

Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.

Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.

Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.

The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.