The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
Our team rescued fourteen people who were trapped 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 at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main 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, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration last week because of the extensive devastation from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
