The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
