The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and destructive high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to rooftop levels and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official stated. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming 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 super-typhoons striking the islands has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
