The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week because of the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
