The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Officials stated that the massive storm caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official explained. One resident also called in panic, reporting the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and another killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country annually.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week because of the severe damage caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
