The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, resulting in at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million people across the country.
Extensive Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In the town of Pandan, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters climbing to the tops of houses and homes washed out by strong flows.
Our team rescued 14 individuals who were trapped on the roof surrounded by water 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 due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities confirmed two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Projected Path
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm early Monday as it crossed the Philippines’ largest island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, its maximum winds decreased from 115 mph to 102 mph, though wind bursts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Searches for those still missing had to be suspended recently over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is making cyclones stronger and common. Fung-wong is the twenty-first storm to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons hitting the Philippines has increased by more than 100% over the last two decades.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms cause approximately US$3.5 million in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
