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.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and another who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed 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 north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
