The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official 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 along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
