The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the powerful weather system triggered extensive flash flooding, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Widespread Damage and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, reporting his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another who died when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Projected Path
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, which killed at least 224 people and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
