The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
