The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused widespread flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official 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.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: one from drowning in Catanduanes and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
