The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
