The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing tropical storms stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms result in approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
