The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, officials confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated 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
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
