The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
