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The island nation was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.

Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of people across the country.

Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.

“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”

By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Projected Path

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

Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching 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 on buildings and roads.

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

Previous Storms and Climate Impact

The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.

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

Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.

International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.

The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency last week because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.