The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
