The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused extensive flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials announced at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
