The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of residents nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented rising waters reaching the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another who died after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended recently 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 have found that the frequency of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
International estimates suggest that intense storms result in approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country annually.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
