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The island nation has been hit hard by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.

Officials stated that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of residents nationwide.

Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations

In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.

Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”

By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.

Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.

The storm system is expected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.

Relief and Assessment

The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.

Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.

Previous Storms and Environmental Factors

Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.

Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.

The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.

Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.

Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines annually.

The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.