The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed 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, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
