The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm 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, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
