The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
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 weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
