The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
