The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
Our team rescued fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
