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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.

Authorities stated that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.

Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts

In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses 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 frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”

By Monday, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.

According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.

The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading north toward Taiwan.

Response and Recovery

The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.

Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks to emergency personnel.

The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.

Researchers have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.

Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in an average of millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.

The nation’s leader issued an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.