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 stated that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
