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 stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones 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 nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
