The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the relocation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by strong flows.
Our team saved fourteen people stranded atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
