The Philippines was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced over a million residents.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused extensive sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents nationwide.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, one of the worst-hit regions, disaster response teams recorded rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and residences being swept away by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. One resident also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed at least two deaths: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and another who died 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 main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to evaluate destruction on buildings and roads.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended recently due to safety concerns for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing cyclones stronger and frequent. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers have found that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events cause approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines 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.
