The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of millions of people nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives with another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency last week due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
