The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities stated that the massive storm caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and destructive gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength while heading north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service indicated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for those still missing were halted on Sunday due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has risen by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
