The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened 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 decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 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, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
