The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
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 continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events result in an average of millions in dollars in losses for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week because of the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
