The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is expected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
