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.
Officials stated that the massive storm triggered widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued fourteen people who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” an emergency official stated. “A father also called in panic, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, officials confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed after her home gave way in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The cyclone is projected to lose strength as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit shortly following another severe storm, that claimed hundreds of lives with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making cyclones more intense and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader declared an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the severe damage from the prior typhoon and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
