The Philippines has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered widespread flash flooding, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews recorded rising waters reaching the tops of houses and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team rescued fourteen people stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was at risk of tearing away due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: one from drowning in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts were still reaching more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to temporarily house tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing were halted recently over risks for rescue workers.
Global warming is making cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists report that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration last week due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from Fung-wong.
