The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength 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 meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased 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 in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
