The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing 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 making cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
